Written by Reema Griffith, WSTC Executive Director, WSDOT

Published: 07 September 2019

STEVENSON, Wash. – Transportation challenges unique to rural areas will be highlighted in a meeting between the transportation commissions from Washington state, Oregon and California this month in Stevenson, Washington. Presenters from the three states will lead discussions on rural freight-movement challenges; the connection between reliable rural access, jobs and economic growth; emergency access and enabling response; and road usage charging efforts in all three states.

The tri-state meeting is from 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 16, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Skamania Lodge, 1131 Skamania Lodge Dr., Stevenson. The meeting is open to the public and persons wishing to speak to the commissions may do so during the public comment period at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday.

Following opening remarks from each state’s commission chair, Monday’s meeting kicks off with a panel discussion of the complex supply chains involving trucks, trains, barges and planes that move rural freight from farm to markets across the country and the world. Another panel will focus on reliable transportation access in rural areas. Panelists will discuss how highways, public transportation, rural airports and trails all uniquely contribute to sustainable economic development and opportunity.

On Monday afternoon, commissioners from the three states will tour the regional area on both sides of the Columbia River, and make stops at a few businesses to hear first-hand the transportation challenges they face in moving product and conducting business in a rural setting.   The commissioners will also get a briefing on the Hood River Bridge and will view a bicycle-pedestrian facility on Oregon’s Historic Columbia River Highway.

During Tuesday’s meeting, each state will share how it responds to natural disasters – from wildfires to seismic events – and the role transportation agencies and infrastructure plays in response and recovery. Panelists will include an Okanogan County commissioner who has worked on partnerships and planning to better respond to region-wide wildfires, and the mayor of Paradise, California, the town in the Sierra foothills ravaged by fire last fall. 

Other meeting topics include a briefing from the administrators of the Federal Highway Administration in each state, and the latest work by each state to address declining revenue from the gas tax as cars and trucks become more fuel-efficient. The three West Coast states lead the nation in developing a road usage charge as an alternative funding source to replace the gas tax.

Since 2009, the Washington State Transportation Commission has met periodically with its colleagues in California and/or Oregon to share strategies for addressing common issues and to identify opportunities for collaboration. During their 2018 meeting, the three state bodies focused on technology and transportation.

The meeting will be webcast live on tvw.org.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit: www.wstc.wa.gov/

Written by Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille, DCSO

Published: 31 August 2019

On 8/29/19 at approximately 4:08 AM, Douglas County Deputies responded to a reported Trespass complaint in the area of the 2700 block of Westview Drive, East Wenatchee. 

Upon arrival, Deputies located a 31-year-old male from East Wenatchee whom they have had prior contacts with, sitting in a vehicle.  Upon contact, he displayed a knife towards Deputies and was observed to have visible blood on his clothing.  The subject refused to exit the vehicle for Deputies. 

Deputies attempted to negotiate with him for several hours to have him safely exit the vehicle for evaluation by medical personnel.  As negotiation attempts failed, he subsequently sped from the location in the vehicle and proceeded southbound on N. Baker Avenue with speeds estimated in excess of 80 mph. 

Deputies followed and observed him slow the vehicle and jump from it while traveling in the 2200 block of N. Baker Avenue.  The vehicle continued to travel southbound on N. Baker Avenue, until it went off the roadway and crashed in the 2100 block. 

He was contacted by Deputies, and refused to follow verbal commands given to him.  A Taser was applied to him and he was safely taken into custody.

He was transported to Central Washington Hospital for medical treatment involving self-inflicted stab wounds. 

Deputies determined this was an isolated incident and there is no further public safety risk.  Criminal charges are pending for the subject.     

Written by Barbara LaBoe, WSDOT Communications

Published: 24 August 2019

Plan ahead, use WSDOT tools to stay in the know before and during trips

OLYMPIA – The last holiday weekend of the summer typically brings additional traffic, so planning ahead and allowing extra travel time is even more critical as Labor Day approaches.

Travelers can consult the Washington State Department of Transportation’s holiday-weekend traffic volume charts to help plan the best times to travel on key routes. If possible, altering travel to less busy times can improve individual trips and help keep all traffic flowing more freely. Those venturing out on land or sea can also use several WSDOT tools to keep updated throughout the trip.

Know before you go

• Check WSDOT’s mobile app, Facebook page, multiple Twitteraccounts and online tools for traffic information and ferry schedules. (When driving, have a passenger check online updates or pull over to safe place before using electronic devices).
• Call the 511 travel information hotline. For out-of-state callers, it’s 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
• Pre-program vehicle radios to 530 AM and 1610 AM for highway advisory radio alerts.
• Carry extra water, snacks and other supplies in case you’re delayed along the way.

Statewide construction halted, but expect holiday travel delays -- especially on passes

To ease congestion statewide, WSDOT suspends most state highway construction work during the holiday weekend, starting Friday, Aug. 30, through Monday, Sept. 2. This includes Interstate 90 from North Bend to Vantage, but some construction zone detours will remain in place. Traffic is always heavy over Snoqualmie Pass on summer weekends – especially Labor Day – so travelers should allow extra travel time or consider traveling during non-peak times, typically early in the day or later in the evening.

Tolling

In the Puget Sound, weekend toll rates will be in effect on Monday, Sept. 2, on the State Route 520 bridge. The Interstate 405 express toll lanes will be free and open to all drivers on the Monday holiday. Travelers can learn about toll roads and rental car tips on the GoodToGo  visitors page.

Ferry travel

Washington State Ferries passengers should expect heavier traffic during the holiday weekend and reservations are strongly recommended for the Anacortes/San Juan Islands; Anacortes/Sidney, British Columbia; and Port Townsend/Coupeville ferry routes.

• Reservations can be made onlineor by calling 888-808-7977.
• Visit the schedules and best travel times website for more details.

Other travel considerations

Travelers planning to avoid highway congestion by traveling via train, personal aircraft or transit also should factor the holiday into their plans:

• Amtrak Cascades passengers are encouraged to purchase tickets early and should plan to arrive at the station one hour before departure. Book nowor call 800–USA–RAIL for details.
• Check the status of state-operated airports online or by calling 800-552-0666.
• Most public transit systems will follow a holiday schedule, and some transit systems will not operate fixed-route or Dial-A-Ride service on holidays. For details, check with the local transit system.

Written by Lauren Loebsack, WSDOT Communications

Published: 22 August 2019

CASHMERE – Beginning Monday, Aug. 26, a contractor for the Washington State Department of Transportation will begin work to repair and upgrade wiring to the flashing beacons at intersections of US 2/97 between Monitor and Dryden. 

During the work, the “Prepare to Stop When Flashing” signs with flashing beacons that correspond with the change of intersection signal lights from green to red, will be covered.  A temporary sign without any lights will inform travelers to “Be Prepared to Stop” while the contractor performs necessary repairs to ensure these flashing lights continue to work properly.

Five intersections between Monitor and Dryden will have the beacons shut off for repairs in the following weeks.  These include:

• US 2/97 and E. Main St. / Easy St. at Monitor,
• US 2/97 and Cotlets Way / Eels Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Aplets Way / Nahahum Canyon Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Hay Canyon Rd. / Goodwin Rd.,
• US 2/97 and Dryden Ave. / Johnson Rd.

For the week of August 26, the contractor will be working at the US 2/97 intersections of Dryden Ave./ Johnson Rd. at Dryden and Hay Canyon/Goodwin Rd. at Cashmere.  Future updates on this project will be available on the North Central region construction and travel advisory webpage.

This work will not affect signal timing at these intersections, but the change of warning signage will mean that drivers will not have the flashing beacons to indicate that an intersection signal is changing from green to red.  With a speed of 60 mph on this section of the highway, it is imperative that travelers on this section of road are attentive and use caution when approaching these intersections during the project.

Written by Robin Pittman

Published: 21 August 2019

Special Board Meeting

Bumgarner Meeting Room, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson WA
August 22, 2019, 4:10pm

I. Call to Order
II. Flag Salute
III. Leffler Field: Phase 1 Environmental Study
IV. Adjournment
Next Regular Meeting: September 12, 2019 at 4:10pm, 142 Pedoi Street, Manson, WA 98831

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

Published: 17 August 2019

AGENDA
Chelan Fire and Rescue
Wednesday, August 21, 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: June and July 2019
• Payroll: $252,344.23 July 1-31, 2019 Paid: 08-05-2019
• Vouchers for July 1-31, 2019 General Account: Vouchers #870 – 876 for $5,416.41; Vouchers #18974 – 18992 for $6,595.31; Vouchers #915 – 931 for $7,920.69; Vouchers #19014 – 19023 for $7,964.76.
• Vouchers for July 1-31, 2019 Capital Account: Vouchers #877 for $5,096.22; Vouchers #932-935 for $49,664.08; Vouchers #17094 – 17096 for $3,276.87.
• Minutes: July 17 and July 23, 2019
Fire Chief Report:
• 2019 Budget / Emergency Response Report /Operations/ Community Risk Reduction
Assistant Chief of Volunteer Services:
• Volunteer Recruitment & Retention / Training
Firefighters Association Report:
Unfinished Business:
• New Hire – Probationary Firefighter
• Annexation
• Billing for Illegal fire responses
New Business:
• Resolution 2019-04 Surplus Items
• 2020 Budget
• Emergency Response Report
• NCWFFCA Mutual Aid Agreement
• T-Card System Use
Special Event:
Board for Volunteer Firefighters
Public Comment:
Commissioner Comments: No action to be taken.
Executive Session:
Adjournment:

Written by Sergeant Kent Sisson, CCSO

Published: 11 August 2019

Sheriff Brian Burnett reports three residences were damaged during a storm event Sunday evening in the south Wenatchee area. Residents had to be rescued from one home, but no one was injured.
The initial 911 call was received by RIVERCOM dispatch at 5:07pm as a strong lightning and rain storm moved through the area of the Squilchuck Canyon drainage just southwest of the city. The extremely heavy rain caused mud and debris flows in the Squilchuck Canyon, Pitcher Canyon and Halverson Canyon areas. Storm drains and culverts became overwhelmed quickly as water and mud began running down the roadways.

A culvert which diverts water under the lower Squilchuck Road, began eroding the downslope hillside located above Boodry Street just south of the city limits. The force of the water began creating a deep channel in the earthen slope and which forced a massive amount of rock and mud down the hillside and into a development of single-wide mobile homes. Deputies and Wenatchee Police officers responded and began evacuating the development. A river of mud, rock and other debris impacted the north side of three mobile homes nearly to the roof lines. Children were carried out of one home by deputies and Wenatchee police officers. Three of the mobile homes are now deemed uninhabitable.

The flow of water, rock and debris began to slow by 6:00pm, but more rain was predicted during the evening. Residents of 16 homes in the area were advised they should stay out of the area until the storm completely subsides. Chelan County Public Works engineers and road crews responded and began assessing the slope and clearing the affected roadways. The local Red Cross Office was contacted and was put in touch with residents of the affected homes.

Written by Lauren Loebsack, WSDOT communications

Published: 08 August 2019

Public input sought in person and online to help develop traffic control plans during rock slope scaling work in 2020

Travelers who regularly use US 97A can help choose the best times for rock slope scaling work during the 2020 construction season. 

The Washington State Department of Transportation is seeking public comment regarding the best time for closures during the much needed work.  Specialized contractors will remove loose rock and debris from the slopes adjacent to US 97A to reduce the risk of it falling onto the highway.

All of this work takes time, during which traffic cannot travel through the work zone.  At the upcoming in person and the online open houses, the public can comment on whether all day or short closures of approximately 30 minutes make more sense for the area.  Longer closures mean more work can be accomplished but with more affect to travel times, and vice versa for shorter duration choices.

US 97A/SR 971 rock slope scaling work in person open houses

When:             4 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 14

Where:           Chelan City Hall                        

                        135 E Johnson Ave.

When:             4 – 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 20

Where:           Entiat Grange

                        14108 Kinzel St.

Details

During both of the in-person open houses, learn more about the options of closure times when WSDOT crews start working on the rock slope scaling in 2020. Responses received from the open houses will help determine the timing and length of the closures to complete the work.

Online open house

Those unable to attend either open house, or who want to review the information and options prior to a meeting, can visit the online open house.

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

Published: 05 August 2019

On August 4^th 2019 at approximately 7:09 PM Douglas County Deputies were dispatched to Rufus Woods Lake above the Chief Joseph Dam reference a possible drowning.

When Deputies arrived, they found Manuel De Jesus Galarza-Martinez, a 26-year-old male out of Bridgeport, lying on the shore unresponsive.

Deputies attempted life saving measures, but were ultimately unsuccessful.

Deputies learned Mr. Martinez had been swimming with friends when he went under the water. After he did not resurface, friends dove in, found him unresponsive, pulled him to shore and then called for help.