Washington State Transportation Commission’s final report on road usage charging available online
- Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC executive director
The Washington State Legislature will ultimately decide if a road usage charge will be implemented in Washington
OLYMPIA – People who are interested in how a Road Usage Charge might work in Washington can now download the full report from the Washington Road Usage Charge Pilot Project website. On Jan. 13, the Washington State Transportation Commission transmitted their final report to the governor, state Legislature and Federal Highway Administration on how Washington can begin a transition away from the state gas tax and toward a road usage charge system.
In collaboration with the Washington Road Usage Charge Steering Committee, the WSTC’S report includes analysis and findings of the legal, fiscal, operational, and policy impacts of a road usage charge and provides recommendations and options on how RUC could be implemented in Washington.
The state legislature will ultimately decide if a road usage charge will be implemented in Washington. Should the Legislature move forward with a road usage charge, it must consider several key topics, all of which the commission’s final report addressed. Those include how to: gradually transition to a RUC system, determine what vehicles should be subject to paying a RUC, determine the per-mile rate policy, set forth the allowable use of RUC revenue, and determine details around how a RUC program would be implemented.
“We thank the steering committee and volunteer pilot project participants for contributing to years of research and analysis on this innovative transportation funding policy,” said Jerry Litt, chair of the Washington State Transportation Commission. “We believe road usage charging is a promising and viable option for Washington, and we look forward to having the Legislature consider a gradual but necessary transition away from relying on the consumption of fossil fuel to fund our roads.”
The 29-member Road Usage Charge Steering Committee has guided Washington’s assessment of road usage charging since 2012. The committee supported and advised on the development of the RUC pilot project and submitted its final report on its road usage charging findings to the commission in October 2019. Based upon the findings of the steering committee, the commission determined its final set of recommendations and their final report, which details the results of the 7-year-long assessment of road usage charging. It includes the 12-month-long test drive portion of the pilot project that involved more than 2,000 statewide drivers who logged 15 million miles from February 2018 to January 2019.
As vehicles become more fuel-efficient or switch to electric power, gas tax revenue is expected to decline by as much as 45 percent by 2035. In 2012, the Legislature directed the commission to assess the potential of a road usage charge to replace the gas tax. A road usage charge is a per-mile charge drivers would pay for the use of the roads, as opposed to paying by the gallon of gas.
Cashmere woman turns herself in for killing her mother
- Written by Chief Jason Reinfeld, CCSO
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on January 11th, 2020 at approximately 2:05 am, a female called RiverCom dispatch from the 400 block of Pioneer Avenue in Cashmere, WA. The caller, a 70 year old Cashmere woman later identified as Anita Jones said she had just killed her mother.
Deputies responded to the scene and detained Jones without incident. She was transported to the Chelan County Sheriff’s office where she was interviewed by detectives. Jones has been booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center for Murder 1st Degree.
Jones is believed to have acted alone and there is no threat to the public.
Detectives are currently on scene in Cashmere continuing the investigation.
Manson High School set to launch tennis program
- Written by Janice Stewart
In search of a Head Coach to build the program
Manson High School is launching a coed high school tennis team in the spring of 2020. In the fall of 2019 the district met with parents, students and community members to determine the viability of a tennis program and found strong interest from all parties. “At least 20 students have indicated strong interest in the program” said Athletic Director Eric Sivertson. The district is very excited to partner with Harmony Meadows as our home court.
The next step in launching the program is hiring a Head Coach. In discussing the program in the community we have identified a number of individuals willing to help with the program or even be assistant coaches, but at this time we have not found our Head Coach. We are looking for an energetic leader that can help us recruit student athletes into the program and can also teach the fundamentals of tennis. If interested, please complete an application packet at www.manson.org
If you have questions about the position contact Eric Sivertson at 509-687-3140 or email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Manson High School awarded $177,000 grant for internship programs
- Written by Janice Stewart
Manson High School Post-Secondary Coordinator Addie Grageda could not be more proud of the Internship Program she leads.
Ms. Grageda recently learned her efforts to renew and expand a grant from a private non-profit foundation, The Discuren Foundation, has been awarded.
Manson School District will receive $177,000 in funds over the next three years to provide valuable opportunities to high school students. The funding will also expand the program and allow middle school students to participate in training and career activities.
Addie shared “one of my favorite things is hearing the senior students speak of their internships experiences at their senior presentations and tell their families, friends and teachers how it has helped them discover a career path they would like to pursue, as well as given them an opportunity to meet someone in our community that has motivated them to follow their dreams.”
These programs would not be possible without the support of individuals, businesses and agencies in our Valley. The partnership in providing authentic career experiences to students and future employees to businesses is truly a “win-win.”
Javes Escalera, Director of Marketing at Coldwell Banker LCP shared “As an alum from Manson High School (class of 2014), I can first-hand say that it would have improved my awareness of the career path that I wanted to take if I had the opportunity to have had an internship. It’s easy to get the education you need, but it’s equally important to understand what you’re working towards. And that’s what internships are, the application of everything you’ve learned in a hands-on setting.”
Vehicle loses control, crosses centerline and strikes Sheriff vehicle
- Written by Jan Brincat, Assistant to Sheriff Brian Burnett
Sheriff Brian Burnett reports on January 6, 2020 shortly after 7:00 a.m., a Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputy was involved in an injury collision in the 17000 block of Highway US 97A just North of Entiat.
A vehicle traveling southbound lost control and crossed over the center line colliding with the northbound Sheriff’s Office vehicle. The driver and two passengers from the southbound vehicle were transported to Central Washington Hospital with potentially serious injuries.
The involved Deputy was transported by a Supervisor to Central Washington Hospital and released with minor injuries.
The Washington State Patrol is handling the collision investigation and it appears that weather and road conditions may have been a contributing factor.
The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office encourages motorists traveling in winter weather to exercise all precautions while traveling in winter weather conditions.
Chelan Fire and Rescue Regular Meeting 1-15-20
- Written by Carol A. Kibler, Administrative Office Manager, Chelan Fire and Rescue
AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 4:00 P.M.
232 East Wapato, Chelan, WA
Proposed Chelan Fire and Rescue agenda pending Board approval.
Flag Salute:
Regular Meeting Call to Order:
Approve Agenda:
Public Comment:
Consent Agenda:
• Revenue and Expenditure Report: November 2019 Revenue & Expenditure Report
• Payroll: $119,375.96 December 1-31, 2019 Paid: 01-03-2020
• Vouchers for December 1-31, 2019 General Account: Vouchers #746134 – 746141 for $1,602.56; Vouchers #746142 – 746155 for $11,698.66; Vouchers #746156 – 746166 for $4,677.58; Vouchers #746180 – 746186 for $4,316.44.
• Vouchers for December 1-31, 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #746133 for $48,422.73.
• Minutes: December 11, 2019
Fire Chief Report:
• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report-Yr End /Operations/ Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief Report:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• Long Range Plan – Set meeting date/time
New Business:
Special Events:
• January 17-26 Winterfest
• January 28th – WFC and WFCA Legislative Day (Olympia)
Board for Volunteer Firefighters:
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments:
Executive Session:
Adjournment:
Manson Parks Regular Board Meeting 1-9-20
- Written by Robin Pittman
Regular Board Meeting
142 Pedoi Street, Bumgarner Building, January 9, 2020, 4:10pm
I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Election of officers
IV. Conflict of Interest documents
V. Payroll and Voucher Authorization Form
VI. Board member orientation
VII. Agenda Additions and Deletions
VIII. Public Comment
IX. Approval of Minutes
a. December 12, 2019 Regular meeting minutes
b. December 12, 2019 Joint Board Meeting minutes
c. December 23, 2019 Special Meeting minutes
X. Financial Review
a. Review Monthly Financial Report
b. Review and Approve Monthly Voucher
XI. Old Business
a. Commercial vendors
i. Sharkey and Shoreline contracts
ii. The Galley
1. Commercial Vendor application
2. Moorage at Manson Bay Marina
b. Old Mill policy update: detached trailers
c. Manson Bay Marina policy update: ‘out day’ options
d. 2020 Goals and Objectives
e. Director’s Report
XII. New Business
a. Leffler Field acquisition
i. Interlocal Agreement
ii. Vote on joint purchase of property with Manson School District
XIII. Adjournment
Next regular meeting: February 13, 2020 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831
High speed chase ends in accident and arrest
On January 4, 2020 at approximately 9:29 PM a Douglas County Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on a passenger car near BJ’s in Rock Island. The vehicle failed to yield and fled.
The pursuing Deputy discontinued the pursuit due to the immediate safety concerns. Shortly after, a second Deputy who was in the area observed the same vehicle driving at a high rate of speed. The Deputy observed the vehicle fail to stop at Rock Island Drive and State Route 28 and continued eastbound on SR28. The Deputy pursued the vehicle.
The suspect vehicle lost control at approximately milepost 12 on SR28 while it was passing another vehicle on the roadway. The suspect vehicle spun and struck the guardrail. The vehicle regained control and continued.
At approximately milepost 15, the vehicle lost control again and struck an occupied parked car on the shoulder of the roadway. The Deputies secured the occupants of the suspect vehicle. None of the involved persons sustained major injuries.
The driver of the suspect vehicle was identified as Jessica H. Fisk a 22-year-old female out of Cashmere. Jessica Fisk was booked into CCRJ for attempting to elude a police vehicle, hit and run collision, reckless endangerment, suspended driver’s license and two outstanding arrest warrants.
Washington’s next commercial airport one step closer to taking flight
- Written by Christina Crea, WSDOT communications
Second Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission meeting Jan. 9
OLYMPIA – 2020 kicks off with more work researching and discussing the location of Washington’s next commercial airport as the Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission (CACC) meets Jan. 9, at Sea-Tac Airport.
The commission will narrow down possible airport sites based on previous research as well as factors including airspace, local land use, environmental impacts, market demand and community input.
The group will present the ongoing Puget Sound Regional Council Aviation Baseline Study and discuss a sustainable vision for Washington’s aviation system, including ways to accommodate capacity at existing airports.
The meeting is open to the public, but does not include a public comment period.
The CACC’s 15 voting and 11 nonvoting members include representatives from the aviation and freight industries, private citizens, state and local agencies and elected officials. The Washington State Department of Transportation provides the commission technical assistance and staff support from its Aviation Division.
The commission’s first meeting was Oct. 30, 2019, at the state Capitol Campus in Olympia and included discussion of the administrative process, goals of the group and previous aviation studies.
The Legislature created the CACC to determine how Washington can meet future commercial aviation demands. Final recommendations are due to the Legislature in January 2022.
To keep up with documents and information, visit the CACC website.
Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission meeting:
When: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9
Where: Sea-Tac Airport, Central Auditorium
Details: The meeting is open to the public but no public comment period is scheduled.
Singleton Park playground renovation
- Written by Robin Pittman
Singleton Park, located at the corner of Madeline and Hyacinth in Manson, is a hub for sports and play in the Lake Chelan Valley. Its ball fields are frequented throughout the year by athletes playing baseball and soccer, and children playing at the playground. While the fields have seen some upgrades, the playground is over 30 years old and safety concerns have become the driving force for some much-needed changes. After receiving a near-failing safety inspection just over a year ago, the Park District began brainstorming. The options quickly became clear- remove the playground entirely or replace it.
Play is crucial to a child’s development; it helps with balance, strength, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, social skills, learning and cognitive skills, as well as emotional and mental well-being. Simply put, play is the building block of strong people and a strong community. That being said, removing Singleton’s playground was not an option.
As the research began and progressed, the project transformed from a basic need to replace the play equipment. Quickly it grew into a desire to provide our community’s families not only with a place to play, but a place where people of all abilities can play side-by-side… an inclusive playground… a place of wonder! That’s when the community spirit really took over.
After receiving conceptual designs from various playground equipment manufacturers, a committee was formed to help with equipment selection. Committee members include Alicia Alexander, Rob Campbell, Johnny Morfin, Brian Patterson, Robin Pittman, Taylor Quigley, Ben Riippi, Bill Sharkey, Adelina Velasco, and Maria Zaragoza. Their goal was to review the proposed playground designs, make changes based on community need, and make a final recommendation to the Manson Parks Board of Commissioners.
On Thursday, December 12th, 2019, at the Manson Parks regular monthly Board meeting, Commissioners unanimously approved purchase of the proposed Burke playground equipment. The playground will feature a large structure designed for kids ages 5 to 12, a separate large structure for kids ages 2 to 5, a “Rev8” spinner, “Orb Rocker”, swing set, and several other items. The total for the equipment came to $133, 326.20.
Funding for the equipment was made possible by the following sponsors.
Thank you to:
• Tom & Meg Names Family Foundation
• Burke Move With Us Grant
• Lake Chelan Rotary
• Community Foundation of North Central Washington
• Lake Chelan Community Services Council
• Chelan-Douglas Developmental Disabilities Program
• Walmart
• Wenatchee Valley Medical Group
• Lake Chelan Boating Club
• Green Dot Sub Shop
• Lake Chelan Boating Club
The next step in the process includes selection of the ground surfacing material, which is a vital piece of the equation. It will likely be a combination of Engineered wood fiber (wood chips), and a soft composite rubber material called pour-in-place. Both meet the requirements for wheelchair accessibility and fall cushioning, as well as providing a tactile element to satisfy sensory needs. A concrete border and benches will be installed around the playground. Engineered wood fiber is expected to cost as much as $25,000, and the areas of pour-in-place could come in at $60,000. Supervised installation, where the manufacturer provides a trained specialist to lead community volunteers during the course of installation, is expect to be $12,000. Cost of the concrete border, benches, and ground work are yet to be determined.
Community support for this project has been incredible, but there are still opportunities to help!
Through December 31st, 2019, visit www.givencw.org to donate through CFNCW’s Give NCW campaign. After that, checks can be mailed to Manson Parks, PO Box 590, Manson WA 98831. Cash and credit card donations can also be accepted at our office on 142 Pedoi Street in Manson.
Volunteers will be needed for installation of the new equipment, ground work, and tear-down of the existing equipment. If you’d like to be a part of the fun, contact our office by calling 509-687-9635, or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Installation of the equipment will begin in the spring, weather permitting.
