Another California firm has also found Oregon to its liking and will build a "technology infrastructure" facility in The Dalles. But that's about all that the company, known for its popular Internet search engine that makes it easy for users to find information, is saying.
      Google paid about $1.9 million for 30 acres (12 hectares) in the Port of The Dalles' Chenoweth Creek Industrial site and has an option on an additional 82 acres (33 hectares). Google also required parties on the Oregon end of the transaction to sign a non-disclosure agreement.
      "We are pleased to be in this area," Google spokesman Steve Langdon tells Site Selection, adding there is no time-table to build the facility that various reports say will create 50 to 100 jobs.
      Portland is also taking a bite out of California, landing the headquarters of WaterMark, a leader in technical products for outdoor recreation. WaterMark is moving it sales, marketing and product management and development from Arcata, Calif. Watermark CEO Jim Clark said in October 2004 that the move is necessary to attract top talent.
      "Portland is a major transportation hub, offers access to outdoor recreation, and has a larger, more diverse labor pool," Clark said.
      California-based biotech firm Invitrogen, which already has operations in Eugene with its Molecular Probes, is investing $15 million in an expansion project that will create 65 jobs over the next four years.