Written by Janet Matkin, WSDOT Communications

Published: 19 July 2019

New study finds numerous benefits to ultra-high-speed travel

OLYMPIA – Ultra-high-speed ground transportation could transform the Pacific Northwest by decreasing travel time, improving overall mobility and boosting economic growth, according to new study of the concept.

The Ultra-High-Speed Ground Transportation Business Case Analysis examined travel times of less than two-hour trips between Vancouver, British Columbia and Portland, Oregon, and one-hour trips between Seattle and each city. The study, which expands on a 2017-2018 preliminary examination, was delivered to the Washington State Legislature on July 12.

The ultra-high-speed system is projected to travel at speeds exceeding 200 mph, via high-speed rail, magnetic levitation, or hyperloop technology. The all-electric system would be stand-alone, rather than sharing or relying on existing infrastructure. It would include some elevated tracks and tunnels, with no at-grade crossings with roads.

The study outlines benefits, potential areas for stations, costs and funding and governance issues. It found that ultra-high-speed ground transportation could:

• Create a new transportation spine in the region, transforming mobility for all residents.
• Draw new companies to the region and create an estimated $355 billion in economic growth.
• Be built within the 2017 estimate of $24 billion to $42 billion in up-front construction costs.
• Provide between 1.7 million to 3.1 million one-way annual trips at start-up, in what analysts called a conservative estimate.
• Generate between $160 million and $250 million in initial annual revenue.
• Improve the environment with a projected reduction of 6 million metric tons (tonnes) of carbon emissions in the first 40 years as travelers opt for the ultra-high-speed option rather than private vehicles or planes.

Support for this international project is strong.

 “The prospect of uniting Washington, Oregon and British Columbia with an ultra-high-speed transportation system that propels us into the future is incredibly exciting,” Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said. “Imagine fast, frequent and reliable travel with the potential for zero emissions and the opportunity to better compete in a global economy. It could transform the Pacific Northwest.”

“Improving connectivity in the Pacific Northwest region through ultra high-speed rail presents enormous potential for job and economic growth on both sides of the border,” said British Columbia Premier John Horgan. “This study confirms the numerous benefits for British Columbians and gives us a clearer vision of what can be achieved when we all work together.”

The exact route and type of ultra-high-speed transportation has not been determined and would require more analysis. All trips are expected to include a stop in greater Vancouver, British Columbia, the Seattle metro area and Portland, Oregon. Some trips also may include additional stops in other cities, including: Surrey, British Columbia, and Bellingham, Everett, Bellevue/Redmond, Tukwila, Tacoma, Olympia and Kelso/Longview in Washington.

“Bringing high-speed rail to the Pacific Northwest will deepen and accelerate the growth of our economies, all while contributing to our efforts to combat climate change,” said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown. “I appreciate our partners’ leadership, commitment, and coordination in taking on a project of this scale.”

The business case study was overseen by the Washington State Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Province of British Columbia and Microsoft, which all shared in the costs. Both studies grew out of ongoing Cascadia Innovation Corridor planning efforts, a cross-border coalition bringing together business, academic and government leaders to build a global hub of innovation and commerce in the Pacific Northwest.

“High-speed rail will shrink travel times throughout the Cascadia Innovation Corridor, providing a strong transportation core for our region,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “These findings highlight the transformative impact of this service, and we’re encouraged to see cross-community support for the next phase of this international project.”

An advisory committee, representing public, private and nonprofit sectors from Washington, Oregon and British Columbia, provided input during the year-long technical analysis. The study was completed by consultant WSP along with Steer Davies Gleave, EnviroIssues, Paladin Partners and Transportation Solutions.

Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue

Published: 15 July 2019

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 3:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA

Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute:
Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
Revenue and Expenditure Report: July 2019
Payroll: $151,641.24 June 1-30, 2019 Paid: 07-05-2019
Vouchers for May 31, 2019 and June 2019 General Account: Vouchers #18897 – 18905 for $3,758.80; Vouchers #18884 – 18896 for $7,910.69; Vouchers #18907 – 18917 for $4,092.11; Vouchers #18939 – 18950 for $20,034.14.
Vouchers for May 31, 2019 and June 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #18869-18870 for $3,731.43; Vouchers #18904 – 18906 for $5,132.22; Vouchers #18918 – 18920 for $12,674.33; Vouchers #18938 for $73.88; Vouchers #18951 – 18952 for $745,336.12.
Minutes: June 19, 2019
Fire Chief Report:
2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report / Facilities/Apparatus/Equipment
◦ Deputy Chief Operations Report: Operations / Fire Prevention / Public Education / Career Staff
◦ Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services: Volunteer Recruitment and Training / Volunteer Staff
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
Annexation
Billing for Illegal fire responses
New Business:
Special Event:
July 17, 2019, 1630 hours, Lt. Evan Woods Retirement BBQ, Station 71
Board for Volunteer Firefighters

Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.
Executive Session: RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) To evaluate the qualifications of an applicant for public employment or to review the performance of a public employee.
Adjournment:

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 09 July 2019

Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, July 11, 2019, 4:10pm

I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Agenda Additions and Deletions
IV. Public Comment
V. Approval of Minutes
a. June 13, 2019 regular meeting minutes
VI. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
VII. Old Business
a. Leffler Field, Executive Session to discuss property acquisition
b. Singleton Park playground renovation
c. Director’s Report
VIII. New Business
a. 4th of July
b. Manson Bay Marina
i. Commercial use
ii. Policy
c. Old Mill ticketing procedure
d. Towing
e. Accounting services
IX. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: August 8, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

Written by Sergeant Kent SIsson, CCSO

Published: 08 July 2019

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a 45-year-old Monitor, WA resident drowned in the Wenatchee River Sunday evening.

The male subject had been floating the river with his adult son and his pet pig near Monitor at about 6:00pm. Each were on their own floatation tube.

According to witnesses, the subjects were around the halfway point between Monitor and the Sleepy Hollow Bridge when the pig fell into the river. The 45-year-old male jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue the pig, but was seen struggling to stay afloat.

The subject’s son yelled to other people recreating on the river and the shoreline that his father had disappeared under water. Witnesses were able to locate the pig and take it to shore.

The missing subject was eventually located by Chelan County deputies downstream near the Sleepy Hollow Bridge. Deputies entered the river and pulled him to the shore.

CPR was initiated as personnel from Chelan County Fire District #1 and Ballard Ambulance arrived on scene and continued lifesaving efforts. After approximately twenty minutes, the subject was pronounced dead at the scene.

The identity of the deceased is being withheld until all family notifications have been made.

Written by Tyler I. Caille, Undersheriff, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 08 July 2019

On 7/1/2019 at approximately 9:46 PM, Douglas County Deputies were contacted in the 400 block of W. Ash Street, Waterville, by a subject wanting to provide information about drugs being sold in the Waterville area.

As a result of the information, Deputies applied for and obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 300 block E. 2^nd Street, Waterville.

Deputies served the search warrant and identified the subject responsible for possessing and selling the drugs as Anthony Dean Long, a 53-year-old male from Waterville.

As a result, of the search Deputies located over 20 grams of suspected methamphetamines and other materials commonly used for the sale and use of methamphetamines.

Long was arrested and booked into the CCRJC for Possession of Controlled Substance and Delivery of Controlled Substance, without further incident.

Written by Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille, DCSO

Published: 08 July 2019

On 6/30/19 at approximately 1:49 AM, Douglas County Deputies were called to 1128 Columbia Avenue, Bridgeport, for a report of several gunshots being fired and a fight in front of the El Pariso Restaurant & Bar.

Prior to deputies arriving, several subjects were reported running from the scene.  Upon arrival by Douglas County Deputies and Washington State Patrol Troopers, several subjects were contacted on scene and it was determined no one had been injured by the gunshots.

Some subjects suffered minor injuries from the physical fight, which did not require medical attention. 

Through the course of the investigation, Deputies identified the subject who had fired the gun at the scene as Adan Torres-Gomez, a 24-year-old male from Bridgeport. 

Torres-Gomez was later located at his residence, arrested, and booked into the Okanogan County Jail without further incident.

Written by (Stephanie) Pete Palmer, Land Use Shorelines Administrator, Colville Confederated Tribes Planning Department

Published: 01 July 2019

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Colville Tribes Land Use Review Board will be holding a public hearing to make a ruling on the following shoreline development conditional use permits:

1. Colville Tribal Federal Corporation has submitted a land use and development permit application to develop an RV Park at their existing Casino site in Mill Bay on Tribal Tract MA-08 commonly known as 455 Wapato Lake Road, Manson, WA.

A public hearing for the above mentioned Conditional Use Permits will be conducted on Wednesday July 10, 2019, at the Colville Tribes Public Works Department located at 12 Lakes Street (Colville Indian Agency) starting at 9:30 a.m.    Written comments will be accepted until Tuesday July 9, 2019 at 4 p.m. or comments can be made verbally at the public hearing.

All comments may be sent to Pete Palmer, Land Use/Shoreline Administrator, Public Works Department, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155 or they can be emailed to her attention at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

Contact the Tribal Public Works Department at the afore-mentioned address or phone number to request a copy of the permit documents.

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 30 June 2019

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a 77-year-old Wenatchee resident – Charles “Ivan” Bowman - was killed in a single motorcycle collision near Plain, WA Saturday afternoon.

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports a 77-year-old Wenatchee resident – Charles “Ivan” Bowman - was killed in a single motorcycle collision near Plain, WA Saturday afternoon.

A 911 call was received by RIVERCOM Dispatch at 2:34pm advising a motorcyclist had failed to properly negotiate a curve on the Chiwawa Loop Road just prior to the intersection with Beaver Valley Road. The motorcycle traveled off the right shoulder of the roadway colliding with trees.

Bowman was reported to be unresponsive and CPR was initiated at the scene. Chelan County Fire District #9, Cascade Medics, an Airlift Northwest medical helicopter crew and deputies responded to the scene. Medical personnel attended to Bowman for over 45 minutes prior to pronouncing him deceased.

Bowman had been riding with his son and two other relatives when the collision occurred. He was operating his motorcycle in the second position within the group of four as they entered a left-hand curve in the roadway just prior to the stop intersection with Beaver Valley Road. According to witnesses, Bowman appeared to brake prior to heading off the right shoulder of the Chiwawa Loop Road. His motorcycle traveled down a small embankment and impacted with the trees.

Bowman and the other three riders in his group were not taking part in the “Toura Tech” motorcycle event being held in Plain.

The collision is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.

Written by Kevin Morris, Sheriff, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

Published: 29 June 2019

On 6/24/19 at approximately 1:00 am a Douglas County Deputy attempted to stop a silver Mercedes-Benz on Fancher Field Rd. for expired tabs, and the registered owner having a suspended driver’s license.

The vehicle failed to stop and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit abruptly ended in the 1500 block of N. Baker Ave when the suspect vehicle struck an unoccupied parked car. 

The driver, Joey Shoo-Garcia, a 22 year old male out of East Wenatchee, fled on foot. Shoo-Garcia was later located, arrested, and booked into CCRJ without further incident.