Tolling changes for transit vehicles on tolled bridges also adopted
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Transportation Commission has approved changes to state ferry fares, which will begin to go into effect this fall. Commissioners also implemented direction from the Legislature to no longer provide toll exemptions to transit vehicles on tolled bridges.
At its meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 6, the commissioners adopted ferry fare changes that will support meeting the $408.8 million revenue target set by the Legislature for the 2025-2027 biennium. The adopted fare changes will:
The fare changes were developed based on a recommendation from Washington State Ferries and supported by the Ferry Advisory Committee on Tariff, a citizen group that advises WSF. More information on the fare-setting process and details on how these changes will impact specific fares can be found on the commission’s website, wstc.wa.gov.
The commission also voted to repeal toll exemptions for publicly and privately operated transit buses, vans and rideshare vehicles on tolled bridges – in accordance with a legislative mandate. The removal of the toll exemption for transit will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2025, and will apply only to the State Route 520 bridge and the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Current toll exemptions offered to transit vehicles on the Express Toll Lane system and the State Route 99 tunnel will remain in effect.
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on Sunday August 3rd, at approximately 7:16 pm a satellite text-to-911 call was made to RiverCom dispatch. The person stated a person had been underwater for five minutes and they were not breathing. An additional person also communicated through satellite text and said the person was not breathing and they were performing CPR on them.
The coordinates from the texts show they were on the west side of Colchuck Lake. A Chelan County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator was called immediately. Due to the remote location of the incident, a call was made to Washington State Department of Emergency Management to request a hoist capable helicopter. The US Army Air Ambulance Detachment (Yakima Dustoff) was called right away, due to them being closer in proximity than other air assets and their ability to respond with a paramedic to SAR calls. They arrived in the area at approximately 8:46 and inserted a medic to the patient by hoist.
Search and rescue personnel were also deployed on the ground to assist if needed. This included 6 rescuers from Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue and 2 Chelan County Sheriff’s Office SAR Deputies.
The swimmer, a 30-year-old North Carolina man was transported to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery where Cascade Medical Paramedics were standing by. Unfortunately, the patient did not survive.
The ground responders were able to meet up with and assist the remaining three people from the hiking group along with the other group who pulled him from the water and performed CPR for over an hour while waiting for further assistance.
The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority invites all community members to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the completion of the new General Aviation Terminal at Pangborn Memorial Airport. The event will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at 3764 Airport Way, East Wenatchee, WA.
This new General Aviation Terminal represents a strategic infrastructure investment to support and expand general aviation operations in North Central Washington. General aviation plays a vital role in the regional economy—facilitating business travel, agricultural services, emergency response, medical transport, flight training, and tourism. The upgraded terminal will provide professional, modern amenities that enhance Pangborn’s capacity to support these essential aviation activities that contribute directly to local industries. “We’re incredibly proud to deliver a facility that reflects the quality of service and activity we see every day in our general aviation community,” said Colby Goodrich, FBO Manager at Pangborn Memorial Airport. “This terminal enhances the experience for our users and ensures we are equipped to support continued growth in aviation activity that benefits the entire region.”
Commissioner JC Baldwin commented, “General aviation is more than a transportation option— it plays a direct role in fueling economic growth in our communities. This terminal will support the movement of business leaders, specialized services, and essential aviation operations. It’s an investment in the future of our region.” Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments. Attendees will then be welcome to tour the new terminal, meet with key partners and stakeholders involved in the project, and view the Commemorative Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress “Sentimental Journey” and B-25 Mitchell “Maid in the Shade” staged at the airport as part of the Flying Legends of Victory Tour. These rare, fully restored World War II bombers—a B-17 among only three still flying, and one of just thirty-four flying B-25s—are available for ground tours and rides during their Wenatchee stop from August 26 to 31, 2025
All community members are encouraged to attend this public event and celebrate the positive economic and cultural impact of general aviation.
Regular Board Meeting: August 14, 2025 at 5:00pm
Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA 98831
1. Call to Order
2. Flag salute
3. Agenda additions and deletions
4. Public comment
5. Review and approval of minutes
a. July 10, 2025 Regular Meeting
6. Financial review
a. Monthly financial report
b. Review and approval of monthly voucher
7. New business
a. Future of sports programs (soccer, baseball, softball, tee ball, and basketball)
b. Recommendation from David Donovick re: marine rescue service at Old Mill
8. Old business
a. Proposal for Manson Bay Marina seasonal slips (Kurt Sixel)
b. Old Mill Policy update proposal
c. WLC policy update proposal
d. Approval of Wildfire Smoke Policy amendment
e. Project updates:
i. Old Swim Hole development
f. Director’s Report
9. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: 5:00pm on September 11, 2025 at 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA, 98831.
Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/25/25 the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a 15-year old female near Colchuck Lake, who was sick and not able to get out on her own. Chelan County Volunteer Search and Rescue personnel along with a Cascade Medical paramedic met her on the trail and assister her out.
On 7/27/25 Sheriff’s Office received notification of an InReach activation in the area of Aasgard Pass. A 47-year-old male from Florida was reported to be non-responsive and experiencing significant medical issues while climbing the pass. A hoist capable helicopter was requested and the US Army Yakima Medivac unit responded. They hoisted the hiker out, and transported him to Yakima Memorial Hospital. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the US Army for continuing to partner with us when available.
In addition to these 2 notable rescues, the Sheriff’s Office also handled 7 additional Search and Rescue calls for service over the weekend.
We would like to remind people enjoying our amazing back country to properly prepare for your hike, know your limits, and check the weather in the area you will be in.
The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority is proud to announce the grand opening and official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Trades District, a catalytic project located in the Pangborn Industrial Park that is designed to help launch and grow small businesses throughout the Wenatchee Valley. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at 676 S Billingsley Drive, East Wenatchee, WA 98802, and is open to the public.
The Trades District was developed as a business incubator to support startups, creators, and small-scale retailers with flexible space and access to resources needed to test, refine, and scale their operations. From trades and light manufacturing to boutique storefronts and service-based entrepreneurs, the Trades District provides a collaborative environment to foster innovation and economic vitality in the region.
“This is a project that reflects the future of our community,” said Brooke Lammert, Economic Development Specialist at the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority. “The Trades District is a place where new ideas can take root, where entrepreneurs can take that first leap, and where local talent can shape the next chapter of our regional economy. We’re incredibly excited to celebrate this milestone with our community.”
Attendees at the August 20th event can expect a brief program, remarks from local leaders, a ceremonial ribbon cutting, tours of the new tenant spaces, and light refreshments.
“The Trades District represents the kind of thoughtful, forward-looking investment that strengthens our local economy,” said Commissioner Spurgeon. “It’s about creating space — both physically and economically — for businesses to grow and thrive right here in the Wenatchee Valley.” The Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority invites the community to attend and see firsthand how strategic public investment — made possible through a combination of local, state, and federal funding — is driving real economic opportunity in the Wenatchee Valley. The Trades District stands as a testament to what’s possible when partners come together to support innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term regional growth.
Douglas County, WA – Congresswoman Kim Schrier will attend an informational meeting on the Wenatchi Landing project on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, in East Wenatchee.
Wenatchi Landing is a 317-acre mixed-use development located on the east bank of the Columbia River, just across the US-2 bridge from Sunnyslope and Wenatchee. The approved Master Site Plan envisions a vibrant combination of housing, offices, retail spaces, business parks, resort-style hospitality, and wineries—all with direct access to the popular Apple Capital Loop Trail network.
Douglas County has applied for an $18 million BUILD (formerly RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to fund Phase 1 of the project. Congresswoman Schrier, who represents Washington’s 8th Congressional District, which includes a significant portion of the project area, recently joined Representative Dan Newhouse and U.S. Senator Patty Murray in sending a letter of support to U.S. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on behalf of Douglas County’s grant application.
In addition to Congresswoman Schrier, the briefing will be attended by representatives from:
This meeting will provide an opportunity to discuss the project’s infrastructure needs, economic development potential, and the broad regional collaboration supporting its success.
OLYMPIA — July 29, 2025 — Recreational boaters in Washington waters will have an easier time disposing of vessel sewage thanks to over $320,000 in new federal pass-through grants for recreational boat pumpout projects.
Awarded by the Washington State Parks Clean Vessel Act Grant Program (CVA), the grants focus on constructing or maintaining sewage disposal systems for recreational vessels, and supporting outreach programs that inform boaters about the location of these facilities.
Projects funded in the 2025 grant competition include:
Grant recipients must provide a 25 percent match. However, a lack of matching funds isn’t a barrier for these important development projects. In 2024 and again in 2025, Washington State Appropriation funds were awarded to Parks “to assist facilities that might otherwise experience hardship paying the federal matching requirements.” These funds will cover the $106,700 match for new development grants.
In addition to funding new or replacement pumpout projects, the CVA Grant Program also funds the annual operation and maintenance of more than 100 pumpout and dump station facilitlies across the state. Last year, over $844,000 in grant funds went towards annual operation and maintenance expenses of these facilities.
Adequate and functional pumpout facilities are critical infrastructure for recreational boaters to comply with the Puget Sound No Discharge Zone Law, which has been in effect since 2018.
Boaters can locate pumpout and dump stations across the state using maps available on PumpoutWashington.org, or by downloading the free Pumpout Nav app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
Funding Cleaner Waters
In 2024, grant funds were awarded to purchase a new mobile pumpout vessel, a service that brings the pumpout to the boater in need. The project represents a partnership between the Recreational Boating Association of Washington, the Port of Poulsbo and the cities of Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island.
Pumpout services are available to boaters free of charge, in the Liberty Bay, Eagle Harbor, Fort Ward, Illahee State Park and Blake Island State Park areas during weekends and holidays throughout the boating season.
Mobile pumpout vessels like the one in Poulsbo — recently named “Poo-get Sound” in a local naming contest — have proven very successful. So far this season, the vessel has been busy, and the West Sound region is days away from hitting their annual goal of 15,000 gallons pumped. The mobile pumpout vessel makes it easier for boaters to do the right thing; they can request pumpout services by phone, VHF radio, or simply by flagging it down.
The Clean Vessel Act Grant Program is proud to fund this and hundreds of other pumpouts across the state, which keep sewage out of our precious waterways and keep boating a sustainable pastime for recreators.
***UPDATE*** 7/31/25
The current condition of the pilot and passenger of the airplane have been listed as stable.
Chelan County Sheriff Mike Morrison reports, on 7/30/25, at 5:30pm, a small plane crashed into a residence in the 300 block of Tigner Rd in Cashmere. The residence is located in line with the airport in Cashmere, WA.
Chelan County Deputies responded to a small airplane that crashed into the residence. The airplane was occupied by 2 individuals who have been transported to CWH. Their conditions are not known at this time. The cause of the crash is also unknown at this time. Occupants of the residence are thankfully fine.
CCSO Detectives are on scene and have notified the NTSB and FAA who are assisting in the investigation.
The United States Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading directly to Travis DECKER’s arrest. The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous.
If you see Travis Decker, please call 911 immediately and do not attempt to contact or approach him. Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.
A decrease in leads and tips into the potential location of Mr. Decker has led to a reduced footprint from CCSO and other LE Agencies in the search. CCSO Detectives continue to assess evidence and search for new investigative leads.
Law enforcement personnel, along with search and rescue organizations have conducted an exhaustive search for Mr. Decker of the wilderness area surrounding the initial crime scene. Information and leads received have been followed up on in several different areas with the focus remaining on the Blewett Pass and Enhancements area between Chelan and Kittitas Counties.
Search efforts have included swift water teams, multiple K9 teams with various disciplines (tracking, human remains detection, etc), air assets, and personnel on foot. As of today, Mr. Decker has still not been located, and there is insufficient information to suggest that he is alive, nor if he is deceased.
The most recent search area led our teams to the Blewett Pass area, north of the Mineral Springs campground. The potential evidence and intelligence gathered in this area are inconclusive,
meaning we cannot confirm any of the information is directly associated with Mr. Decker.
As bear hunting season opens in August, and others continue their outdoor pursuits, we strongly encourage everyone venturing out into these areas remain vigilant and report any suspicious
activities, persons, or items they may come across by reporting it to 911 immediately. We also ask those who do come across something to mark the location using GPS or other marking form
if they are able to, and even take pictures if it is safe.
CCSO Detectives remain actively engaged in processing evidence and will continue to follow up on leads or tips as they come in.
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