March 29, 2019
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’d like to share details with you about the Wenatchi Landing sewer extension, an important project local leaders have been discussing with legislators for a number of weeks. I am proud to be a sponsor of this project and work alongside Representatives Steele and Goehner and the project's coalition of supporters, including Douglas County, Port of Douglas County, Douglas County Sewer District, and others working to secure matching funds from the state this session in the capital budget. The Senate's capital budget, released earlier this week, proposes to fund the Wenatchi Landing sewer extension project at $2 million.
The name and spelling of this project, involving an area located north of the Olds Station Bridge in Douglas County, is based on the group of Native Americans who lived years ago near the confluence of the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers. The project itself, discussed locally and in the planning stages for a number of years, involves a fully installed road, water line, and sewer extension that could lead to a multitude of regional benefits for responsible housing, commercial development, and recreational space.
 An aerial view showing where the proposed sewer extension would be located.
Seeking state matching funds
The 2019-21 capital budget, currently under development, will fund matching dollars to K-12 public schools, new facilities at state universities and community colleges, and other land and infrastructure projects throughout the state. Phase 1 of the Wenatchi Landing Project (estimated to cost $4 million) includes an extension of sewer infrastructure past 35th Street NW outside of East Wenatchee. Government partners have committed $2 million in local funds for this project and are seeking a $2 million state matching grant. This is an impressive “dollar-for-dollar” local commitment, demonstrating the significant support and interest in the project.
 The Wenatchi Landing area, once developed, would provide 283 acres of economic opportunities for multiple purposes in the Douglas County portion of the Wenatchee Valley near the Olds Station Bridge.
Project would promote economic development
This project could greatly enhance economic development opportunities and our overall quality of life in the Wenatchee Valley and beyond. A recent economic analysis indicates that for every dollar of public investment made here, a return of anywhere between $9 and $112 will flow back to our area. This is a significant return on investment, which is obviously understood by our forward-thinking local officials.
As you likely also know, suitable land for development in the valley, especially on the Wenatchee side of the river, is becoming increasingly scarce. This is another reason why responsible and coordinated development is so important in the Wenatchi Landing area. If we are successful in securing the matching funds in the upcoming capital budget for the sewer extension, then more work and coordination will be needed in future years for road improvements and other project components, but moving ahead with the first phase is a key and likely most important step in the process.
 Officials from Douglas County and I discuss the proposed Wenatchi Landing sewer extension project with Sen. David Frockt, D-Seattle, who is the lead member on the capital budget in the Senate. From left to right: Port of Douglas County Executive Director Lisa Parks, Sen. Frockt, Douglas County Sewer District General Manager Bernita Landers, Douglas County Sewer District Commissioner Greg Peterson.
Community support for this important project
I plan to continue to advocate for matching funds for the Wenatchi Landing sewer extension this legislative session and hope to have more details soon about the capital budget being developed. Many thanks to all of those involved in this effort, including my House colleagues, Representatives Steele and Goehner, and all of the staff and elected commissioners of Douglas County, Port of Douglas County, and Douglas County Sewer District. The Eastmont School District, as well as the local PUD, fire district, park district, and water district, have also all been involved.
If you'd like to listen to a KOHO Radio segment about the project, please click here.
I have received letters of support from the following groups:
 Securing funding at the state level is always a challenge and just getting to this stage has required a lot of work and planning by all involved, but hopefully our collective efforts will result in a positive outcome for this project. I will keep you updated as we learn more about our requests. We can accomplish great things by working together.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve our 12th District!
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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