This photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 06, 2017, shows the town of Madras, Ore. The town in Central Oregon, which is near an epicenter of America's fascination with microbreweries, is thirsting for a piece of the action and offering incentives for the first brewery to establish itself in the high-desert community. (Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin via AP)
The Associated Press
SALEM, Ore. (AP) - A town in Oregon, near one of America's microbrew meccas, is thirsting for a piece of the action and offering incentives for the first brewery to establish itself in the community.
In an internet posting, Madras (MA-dress) said it could assist in site selection; costs of architecture, engineering, permits and building renovation; expedited permitting, a start-up loan and technical assistance.
Madras, which has 6,300 residents, is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) north of Bend, which has at least 22 breweries, among the highest number of microbreweries per capita in the United States.
Madras Mayor Royce Embanks said residents believe recruiting a brewery is a top priority, so the town can have a community gathering place and destination for friends, family, and tourists.
At least one bar owner is opposed.
FILE - This June 12, 2014, file photo, shows the outdoor seating area at 10 Barrel Brewery in Bend, Ore. The nearby town of Madras, Ore., in Central Oregon, which is near an epicenter of America's fascination with microbreweries, is thirsting for a piece of the action and offering incentives for the first brewery to establish itself in the high-desert community. (Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin via AP, File)
The Associated Press
This photo taken Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017, shows welcome sign heading into the town of Madras, Ore. The town in Central Oregon, which is near an epicenter of America's fascination with microbreweries, is thirsting for a piece of the action and offering incentives for the first brewery to establish itself in the high-desert community. (Ryan Brennecke/The Bulletin via AP)
The Associated Press
FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2014, file photo, Jerry Christensen, left, and Bob Brubaker enjoy their favorite beers at Deschutes Brewery's brew pub in Bend, Ore. The nearby town of Madras, Ore., in Central Oregon, which is near an epicenter of America's fascination with microbreweries, is thirsting for a piece of the action and offering incentives for the first brewery to establish itself in the high-desert community. (AP Photo/Jeff Barnard, File)
The Associated Press