New edition of Gray Notebook online
- Written by WSDOT Communications
The March 31, 2019, edition of WSDOT’s quarterly performance report (Gray Notebook 73) continues to follow the agency’s progress with its strategic plan by focusing on inclusion, practical solutions and workforce development. Gray Notebook 73:
- Demonstrates how the agency uses social media and its smartphone applications to engage communities throughout Washington
- Analyzes how WSDOT is using a data-driven approach in efforts to reduce the potential for bicyclist and pedestrian traffic crashes, and
- Illustrates how the agency works with partners to create career pathways through the Sustainability in Prisons Project and to remove barriers for individuals participating in WSDOT’s Wetlands Ecology and Monitoring Techniques Internship.
The edition is available online at https://wsdot.wa.gov/publications/fulltext/graynotebook/gray-notebook-Mar19.pdf and while performance measures are reported throughout the Gray Notebook, highlights from this issue include:
- About 22% of those who died in traffic collisions during 2018 in Washington were pedestrians and bicyclists
- The number of WSDOT’s Facebook page followers increased 24.6% from 79,343 in April 2018 to 98,878 in March 2019
- WSDOT responded to 17,010 incidents during the quarter, providing about $26.6 million in economic benefit
- WSF completed 38,348 (99.2%) of its 38,641 regularly scheduled trips in the third quarter of FY2019
- Amtrak Cascades revenue increased by 5.7%, from $29.6 million in 2017 to $31.3 million in 2018
- WSDOT added nine new wetland and stream mitigation sites on 17 acres in 2018, bringing the total to 300 sites on 1,623 acres
- WSDOT's Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks helped the trucking industry avoid 168,000 travel hours and $20.1 million in operating costs in 2018
- The annual average price of gasoline in Washington state rose by 10% from 2017 to 2018, going from $2.92 per gallon to $3.21 per gallon
- WSDOT completed one Connecting Washington project in the seventh quarter of the 2017-2019 biennium
The Gray Notebook and the Gray Notebook Lite (a summary of selected performance topics covered in this quarter’s publication), can be viewed and printed from the WSDOT accountability website (www.wsdot.wa.gov/accountability).
Buckner Orchard work party June 13th
- Written by Herb Sargo
Find out more at http://bucknerhomestead.org
Occupant of drifting boat missing on Columbia River
- Written by Chief Criminal Deputy Steve Groseclose Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
On 05/29/19 a 14’ green Alumacraft boat, vessel registration number WN4147SJ, with a Honda outboard motor, owned by 81 year old Charles Baker was seen drifting unoccupied, 5 miles above Chief Joe Dam, on the Columbia River.
A 1990 blue Dodge Pickup and boat trailer owned by Charles Baker, was found at the Army Corp of Engineers boat launch above Chief Joe Dam.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office/Search and Rescue, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, and Colville Tribal Police searched the river for Charles Baker.
Charles Baker was last seen on 05/27/19. No foul play is suspected in his disappearance.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office is requesting information from anyone who saw Charles Baker launching, or operating his boat on the Columbia River on 05/27/19. Please call the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office during business hours (509) 884-0941, or RiverCom at (509) 884-1535 after business hours with any information.
Trojans Track and Field at State in Cheney
- Written by Janice Stewart
https://mansontribune.com/index.php?start=60#sigFreeId35c0ea175e
The state track and field championships were held at EWU in Cheney last Thursday through Saturday.
Manson took 11 athletes competing in 16 different events.
The first 2 days of competition were mainly preliminary heats and finals being held on Saturday.
There are 16 athletes qualified for each event and the top 8 finishers in prelims will be moving onto the finals.
The Trojans had a roller coaster of results, with some great finishes and some heart breaking ones mixed in as well. The highlights include 4 podium finishes and 2 school records.
Connor Torgesen placed 4th in the 800m, breaking the school record in the prelims, and then coming back to better that mark in the finals. He also placed 5th in the 400m, narrowly missing the school record in that event as well.
Jose Pascasio smashed the school record in the javelin by 12 feet to place 4th overall.
Kendall Petre set a new personal best in the 400m to place 8th and earn a medal in that event for the 2nd straight year.
Cole Beazley was the hard luck participant of the meet, as he placed 9th in both the 110m hurdles and 300m hurdles, missing out on a place in the finals by less than .1 of a second in both events.
Another 9th place finisher was Braden Getzin in the triple jump, missing out of a podium finish by a few inches.
Other results include-
Cara Hutton- 16th in the 1600
Bailey Cameron- 12th in the 1600 and 13th in the 3200
Grant Torgesen- 11th in the 3200
JoJo Morales- 16th in the shot put
Kendall Petre- 10th in the high jump and 16th in the 200m
Boys 4x100 had a bad exchange and were disqualified in their prelim.
Boys 4x400 narrowly missed the finals by 1.5 seconds and finished 10th
Three state airports receive federal assistance for infrastructure projects
- Written by Paul Wolf, State Airports Manager
$9.4 million in grant funding awarded
OLYMPIA – Work to rejuvenate state airports is getting a much-needed lift, thanks to a recent supplemental appropriation provided to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Three Washington airports will receive a share of $9.4 million from the Airport Improvement Program, which helps fund projects that strengthen aviation infrastructure.
Davenport Municipal Airport outside of Spokane, will use $3.5 million for rehabilitation work and to extend the runway. $4.8 million will go to Jefferson County International Airport to improve the runway. Arlington Municipal Airport will see $1.1 million for taxiway rehabilitation with work already underway.
“The timing of this is perfect and fits well into our planned improvements,” said Dave Ryan, Arlington Municipal Airport Manager. “This will also allow us to move forward with the taxiway lighting project at the same time.”
This is the second round of funding from the U.S. Transportation budget – the first round in September 2018 provided Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport $7 million to assist with an ongoing runway construction project.
AIP grants are under the additional supplementary funding authorized by congress for airport infrastructure. Since this addition to the FAA program is 100% funded, it may allow for additional federal discretionary funds and state funding from WSDOT Aviation to go toward other airport infrastructure projects. Airport sponsors should watch for additional supplemental funds as congress makes them available in the future.
Chelan and Douglas County Port Authorities to discuss merging
- Written by Jim Kuntz, Executive Director, Port of Chelan County
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of Chelan County will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 beginning at 5:30 pm at Confluence Technology Center, located at 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801.
The purpose of the meeting is to hear public comment on the potential functional consolidation of the Port of Chelan County and the Port of Douglas County into a single, regional Port Authority.
A Tri-Commissioner meeting will be held earlier in the day to discuss this and other issues:
The Board of Commissioners of the Port of Chelan County will attend the Tri Commission Meeting on Wednesday, May 29th, 2019 beginning at 1:00 pm at Confluence Technology Center, located at 285 Technology Center Way, Wenatchee, WA 98801.
AGENDA
Chelan County Tri-Commission Meeting
May 29, 2019
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Confluence Technology Center
285 Technology Center Way
Wenatchee, WA 98801
Agenda
1) Call to Order, Flag Salute, Introductions
2) Issue Discussion (lead)
a. Functional Consolidation of Port Districts (Port)
b. Strategic Planning (PUD)
i. Rock Island Relicensing and Early-Action Investments
c. Surplus Land for Substations (County)
3) Updates (lead)
a. Cashmere Mill District (Port)
b. Annual Growth Planning Meeting (PUD)
c. Columbia River Treaty (PUD)
d. Pangborn Commercial Air Service (Port)
e. Microsoft Agreement (PUD)
i. PUD Fiber Expansion and use of Broadband Programs
f. Facilities Planning and Headquarters Redevelopment (PUD)
4) Updates from the Mayors
a. Mayor Kuntz (Wenatchee)
b. Mayor Cooney (Chelan)
c. Mayor Farivar (Leavenworth)
d. Mayor Fletcher (Cashmere)
e. Mayor Alt (Entiat)
5) Commissioner Comments
6) Adjourn
Brush fire near Stayman Flats Road 5-22-19
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue
Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of an orchard burn that got out of containment around 11:58 hours today (05/22/2019).
Battalion 7 was the first unit to arrive in the area and report a working brush fire. Units from Chelan County Fire Protection District 8 and Chelan Fire and Rescue, United States Forrest Service, Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management joined the effort to quickly help contain the fire.
The fire was located up the Chelan Butte Road off Stayman Flats Road. Much of the fire was contained between two orchards, but the north end was open to traveling up the Chelan Butte.
Resources rapidly knocked down the main body of fire and stopped fire spread on the north end followed by full containment. Units on scene are now mopping up hot stops.
The leaders of the involved fire agencies had just completed a meeting at Station 81 in Entiat and were still in the area make resources more available.
At 13:16 hours fire was knocked down and crews were working to finish containment. Fire was about three acres.
Second tenant announced for Port’s Cashmere Mill District Business Park
- Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County
The Port of Chelan County has entered into a lease agreement for its second tenant at the Port’s Cashmere Mill District Business Park. Blue Spirits Distilling, a Chelan based distillery, has agreed to lease 6,800 square feet. This business expansion is expected to create 8 new jobs and result in private investment exceeding $500,000 in Chelan County. Just as important, small distilleries are an emerging industry contributing significant tax revenues to the State of Washington. In response to the news, Port of Chelan Commission Vice President Donn Etherington stated, “The Port is pleased with the strong market demand for the two 16,500 square foot buildings currently under construction by the Port. Our goal of creating new jobs and attracting private investment to the Cashmere Mill District site is being realized.”
The founder of Blue Spirits Distilling, Jeff Soehren, stated, “Our business has been experiencing rapid growth and it was critical for us to secure additional processing, warehousing and distribution space for our distillery operation. The Port Commission’s vision to constructed general-purpose shell buildings at its Cashmere Mill District Site could not have come at a better time for our expanding business.” Blue Spirits Distilling started in Chelan. They currently have two facilities in Leavenworth, a tasting room downtown and an event space, food, & cocktail lounge on Highway 2. This new addition will allow Blue Spiritsto expand its creative footprint by distilling bespoke whisky’s, including Rye, Bourbon and a Bavarian style Single Malt. This facility will allow Blue Spirits customers to experience all aspects of whisky production from grain processing through to barrel aging. Customers can even purchase their own barrels to commemorate this event and be able to taste them as they age.
Chelan County Commission Chairman Kevin Overbay commented, “Chelan County made a financial contribution from its dedicated economic development sales tax fund to assist the Port in constructing the buildings at the Cashmere Mill District Site. It is great to see an immediate return to the citizens of Chelan County.” “Cashmere is excited to see the economic development activities surrounding the Port’s development of the Cashmere Mill District Business Park. It is resulting in new jobs and private investments. I would like to thank the Port Commissioners for their leadership and vision,” said Cashmere Mayor Jim Fletcher.
Both buildings are expected to be completed this summer. Previously, the Port announced Hurst International, a Chatsworth, California based fruit label printer and labeling equipment manufacturer agreed to lease 6,500 square feet. The Port’s investment in the new buildings will exceed $6.7 million. Last summer, Chelan County Commissioners approved a $500,000 economic development sales tax grant for the project.
The Port of Chelan County is the lead economic development agency for the County. Three elected Port Commissioners govern the Port: JC Baldwin, Donn Etherington and Rory Turner.
Vintage Lake Chelan 10 Year AVA Anniversary June 7 & 8, 2019
- Written by Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce
Washington's Most Exciting AVA Turns 10!
Winterfest fans, join us for a special weekend of wine to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Lake Chelan’s official designation as an American Viticulture Area (AVA)! This June 7-8, acquaint your taste buds and discover new wines made from Washington’s most exciting AVA with a weekend of educational and social events.
FRIDAY, JUNE 7
Welcome Reception: Taste a selection of AVA wines alongside paired bites, and watch a commemorative video debut at the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce. | 6-8pm
SATURDAY, JUNE 8
Tasting Seminar: The Pioneers of the Lake Chelan AVA | 10am
Tasting Seminar: Lake Chelan AVA - A Balancing Act from North to South | 1:30
Grand Tasting: Celebrating the Food & Wine of the Lake Chelan Wine Valley, at Larc Hill Vineyard Ranch | VIP Hour 6-7pm | General 7-9pm
Port wins WPPA Creative Partnership Award
- Written by Cami Harris, Administrative Assistant, Port of Chelan County
May 21, 2019 - On May 17th the Port of Chelan County was presented with the Washington Public Port Association’s 2019 Creative Partnership Award for its role in the creation and evolution of the Pybus Public Market on the Wenatchee Waterfront. Pictured above receiving the award is Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz, Commissioner Donn Etherington and Commission President JC Baldwin.
The success of the Pybus Public Market was possible due to multi-faceted partnerships with the City of Wenatchee, the federal government, State of Washington, private investors, and non-profits.
The Port of Chelan County purchased the 28,000 square-foot warehouse in 2010 to stimulate private investment on the Wenatchee waterfront, create a yearround public market, and provide a permanent home for the seasonal Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market. This vision captured the attention of the community. This led to financial support from U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s office, the City of
Wenatchee, Local Revitalization Funding from the state, and a generous private donation. This culminated with a $5.75 million investment into reconstruction of the core and shell followed by many millions more invested by tenants locating in the Market.
The Market opened in May of 2013 with great success. In early 2017, the Port sold the Market to the Pybus Charitable Foundation. In 2018, the Port and the Charitable Foundation started another chapter with its Pybus Partnership. The Port entered into a five-year lease with the Foundation for the newly constructed second floor of the Pybus Annex in order to attract tech entrepreneurs to Chelan County and stimulate economic development. The Port’s Business Incubator currently has its first tenant in place: Subsplash, a Seattle-based software company.
