Tag Archives: Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz

Hawkins to lead stakeholder discussions on regional aquatics center

Local leaders to explore how local governments could work together to construct and operate a modernized pool facility, including Olympic-sized outdoor pool, water slides and splash pad.

Sen. Brad Hawkins will be kick-starting discussions among local leaders on Sept. 15 about joining forces to identify a new, long-term outdoor pool solution in the Wenatchee Valley.

With the Wenatchee City Pool, constructed in 1965, in significant need of repair, Hawkins and some local leaders believe now is the time to collaborate on ideas for a new, modernized facility to benefit the area’s growing communities.

Hawkins, who recently sponsored capital budget funding to assist the city of Wenatchee to repair its aging pool, believes keeping that facility operational in the short term is a priority, but he thinks a new, modernized facility for the region is better for the taxpayers and public over the long term.

“The Wenatchee City Pool has served us well for over five decades, but it will need significant investments just to keep it operational in the near term,” said Hawkins. “It would be more cost effective, more equitable, and more beneficial in the long term for our communities to join together to support a regional solution.

“Now is the time to collaborate about options because we might be able to develop a plan for an outdoor facility to serve our growing region for the next 50 years. That would be incredible for children, families, and local employers while provide lasting quality-of-life and economic benefits,” added Hawkins.

The envisioned facility could include an Olympic-sized outdoor pool to replace the Wenatchee City Pool, a zero-entry children’s pool, splash pad, and water slides along with ample parking, picnic, and restroom facilities. Hawkins has held positive preliminary conversations with Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz and East Wenatchee Mayor Jerrilea Crawford and plans to expand the discussion to a larger group of stakeholders on Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Confluence Technology Center in Wenatchee.

Invited guests are expected to include cities, counties, regional port authority, swimming organizations, and other stakeholders. One potential location for the facility could be within the undeveloped 283-acre “Wenatchi Landing” area in Douglas County, just south of the Odabashian Bridge.

Hawkins believes the Wenatchee Valley or its two-county area is definitely large enough to support the facility.

“When you combine the population of our area, we are actually much larger than some of the communities that already have these facilities, so this could definitely happen, if we want it. I think it would be tremendously beneficial to our community. We need more things like this for children, families, and employers,” he said.

As part of his exploratory process, Hawkins has been reviewing existing state statutes and drafting legislation to authorize local governments to join together to form a regional aquatics district.

 (PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured is an example of a regional aquatic facility that Sen. Hawkins hopes could someday serve the growing communities in Chelan and Douglas counties. Shown in the photo is the Oxford Aquatic Center in Oxford, Ohio.)

$85 million “match” for Wenatchee’s Confluence Parkway included in negotiated “Move Ahead Washington” proposal

$4.5 million also included for a Highway 2 pedestrian undercrossing in Leavenworth

House and Senate negotiators this afternoon released their “Conference Report” for the “Move Ahead Washington” transportation proposal, a 16-year, $16.9 billion transportation investment package negotiated by the legislative transportation committee chairs. The package includes $85 million for an “Infra Grant Match” that state Sen. Brad Hawkins says corresponds to the precise amount needed to complete Wenatchee’s Confluence Parkway (see here, Page 2, Item 42).

The Wenatchee Valley received a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (Infra) grant in 2021 for a collection of various projects named the “Apple Capital Loop,” which includes Confluence Parkway as the featured project. The $134 million Confluence Parkway project received $49 million in Infra grant awards for that particular portion of the loop projects, leaving $85 million unfunded.

The negotiated proposal also includes $4.5 million for a Highway 2 pedestrian undercrossing in Leavenworth (click here, Item 43).

The negotiated package still needs to receive House and Senate approval, which is expected by tomorrow, the final day of the Legislature’s 60-day session. Per legislative rules, amendments are not permitted for conference reports, just “up or down” votes.

For an aerial image of Wenatchee showing the Confluence Parkway bridge location, click here.

“Many thanks to Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz, Richard DeRock of Link Transit, Jeff Wilkens of the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council, and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, who all worked closely with me over the past several weeks to secure funding for this project,” said Hawkins.

“This is a win for legislators and the Wenatchee Valley community, following the earlier success of Congresswoman Schrier securing the federal funds. I’m grateful to Mayor Kuntz and everyone involved for their steadfast support for this project over the past decade,” added Hawkins.

The Confluence Parkway project would help mitigate the growing traffic challenges in north Wenatchee near the Wenatchee River. The project includes a new roadway and new bridge connecting to the U.S. 2/97 interchange and offers benefits for Link Transit, as well as trail and pedestrian modifications. Kuntz, DeRock, and Wilkens highlighted the project in a Feb. 3 PowerPoint presentation to Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias, Hawkins, and others – click here.

 

What supporters are saying:

“Completing the Confluence Parkway is critical to the Wenatchee Valley’s future, and that is the message I conveyed to my friends in the State Legislature in recent weeks. The federal government has already committed nearly $50 million to the project. Now I am thrilled to see that the Legislature is stepping up to fund this important work, too. Thank you to Senator Hawkins for his resolute commitment to getting this done.”

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, 8th Congressional District

 

“We’ve always believed in Confluence Parkway as the region’s proactive plan to support sustainable growth. The $85 million allocation fully funds the project along with local and federal dollars. It has been an all-hands on deck approach to get this project to the finish line and we are so grateful to the State Legislature for investing in the Wenatchee Valley for generations to come.”

Mayor Frank Kuntz, City of Wenatchee

 

“This is a huge win for the Wenatchee Valley. We’re grateful the Legislature stepped forward as a funding partner in the Confluence Parkway project, securing our ability to move forward with this transformative investment in the region’s future.”

Jeff Wilkens, Executive Director of the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council

 

“It is wonderful news to see the State Legislature recognize the critical importance of the completion of the truly multi-modal transportation project that is Confluence Parkway. This unique partnership project will provide real improvements to the pedestrian, bike, and transit users of the transportation corridor in a safe and sensitive manner that respects and enhances the experience of the Confluence area.”

Richard DeRock, General Manager of Link Transit

Hawkins comments on Senate passage of “Move Ahead Washington” transportation proposal

The Legislature’s “Move Ahead Washington” proposal, unveiled just a week ago on Feb. 8, continues to be on a fast track, receiving full Senate approval tonight after being approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday. Senate Bill 5974 was approved by the full Senate by a vote of 29 to 20.

Sen. Brad Hawkins voted against the package in committee and in the full Senate but has been actively involved in discussions with Sen. Marko Liias and Sen. Curtis King, leaders of the Senate Transportation Committee, to include Wenatchee Valley projects in the proposal.

“I offered two amendments tonight because the ‘Move Ahead Washington’ transportation proposal developed by House and Senate Democratic leaders is not yet a ‘statewide’ investment package as it leaves a gigantic donut hole in the center of the state,” said Hawkins. “My Senate Transportation Committee colleagues may be familiar with the Wenatchee Valley projects, but I needed to get these before the full Senate, even if acceptance of the projects at this time was not likely.”

Both floor amendments were defeated. To view Hawkins’ two floor amendments, go here and here.

For more information about Wenatchee Valley transportation projects, click here.

For an aerial image of Wenatchee showing the Confluence Parkway bridge location, click here.

While no additional projects were included in tonight’s advancement through the Senate, Hawkins remains encouraged about the possibility of the signature project, known as Confluence Parkway.

“I continue to be optimistic of the possibilities for Confluence Parkway’s $85 million of funding this session,” said Hawkins. “Many thanks to Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz, Richard DeRock of LINK Transit, Jeff Wilkens of the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council, and Congresswoman Kim Schrier, who all worked closely with me over the past several days and weeks to make major progress toward advancing this project. My discussions with Chair Liias over the past several days have been encouraging, which suggests to me that this project is something on his radar for the remaining days of the session.”

The $134 million Confluence Parkway project would help mitigate the growing traffic challenges in north Wenatchee near the Wenatchee River. Funding includes $49 million from a recent federal grant, leaving $85 million needed to complete construction. The project includes a new roadway and new bridge connecting to the U.S. 2/97 interchange and offers benefits for LINK Transit, as well as trail and pedestrian modifications. Kuntz, DeRock, and Wilkens highlighted the project in a Feb. 3 PowerPoint presentation to Liias, Hawkins, and others – click here.

Senate Bill 5974 now advances to the House Transportation Committee where it is expected to promptly receive a public hearing.

What Supporters Are Saying

“Completing the Confluence Parkway project is vital to the future of the Wenatchee Valley. These are improvements that will have real, positive impacts on people’s daily lives. I went to bat to help secure $49 million from the federal government for the project. Now it is time for the state to do its part. I will continue to work with Sen. Hawkins to convey to his colleagues the critical importance of the Confluence Parkway project.”

Congresswoman Kim Schrier, 8th Congressional District

“Although tonight’s vote was not successful, I would like to thank Senator Hawkins for his work on behalf of the region. The city is committed to continuing dialogue with Senator Liias and Representative Fey to identify funding to complete Confluence Parkway.”

Mayor Frank Kuntz, City of Wenatchee

“The session isn’t over yet. Securing funds in Olympia for local transportation priorities is always a challenge, but I remain optimistic Senator Hawkins’ efforts can get us there.”

Jeff Wilkens, Executive Director of the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council

Hawkins Audio Clips

Hawkins’ audio clips on Move Ahead Washington:

 

Hawkins gathers Senate transportation leaders for Confluence Parkway discussion

City of Wenatchee’s Mayor Frank Kuntz, LINK Transit’s Richard DeRock, and Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council’s Jeff Wilkens emphasize the importance of a second bridge across the Wenatchee River.

As transportation leaders in the Legislature move closer to releasing their transportation budget proposal during this year’s legislative session, 12th District Sen. Brad Hawkins today brought key leaders of the Senate Transportation Committee, their staff, and local officials together for an important discussion about the Confluence Parkway project in Wenatchee.

In addition to the expected supplemental budget proposal for this session, some lawmakers are discussing the possibility of also unveiling a new, additional set of transportation improvement projects. Hawkins, a member of the Senate’s Transportation Committee, wants the Confluence Parkway project to be in the mix.

“Legislators are getting closer and closer to developing the next statewide transportation investment package, so we need to communicate how important the Confluence Parkway is to our community’s future,” said Hawkins.

The meeting, held via Zoom, included Hawkins; new Senate Transportation Committee Chair Marko Liias, D-Everett; Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima and Republican leader on the Senate Transportation Committee; Wenatchee Mayor Frank Kuntz; Laura Merrill, executive services director for the city of Wenatchee; Jeff Wilkens, executive director of the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council; Richard DeRock, general manager of LINK Transit; Kelly Simpson, senior staff coordinator and counsel for the Senate Transportation Committee; Jenna Forty, staff analyst for the Senate Transportation Committee; Hannah McCarty, senior transportation policy counsel to the Senate Democratic Caucus; and Martin Presley, transportation policy counsel for the Senate Republican Caucus.

“I’m grateful for the extended conversation today and for the many people who participated,” said Hawkins. “The timing was strategic in that discussions will likely take place in the coming weeks or months about identifying needed transportation projects in Washington. I want Senator Liias, the new chair of the Transportation Committee, to know how important this is to our valley.”

Liias assumed the role of Senate Transportation Committee chair following former Sen. Steve Hobbs’ appointment as Washington’s secretary of state.

The $134 million Confluence Parkway project would help mitigate the growing traffic challenges in north Wenatchee near the Wenatchee River. Funding includes $49 million from a recent federal grant, leaving $85 million needed to complete construction. The project includes a new roadway and new bridge connecting to the U.S. 2/97 interchange. Kuntz, DeRock and Wilkens highlighted the project in a PowerPoint presentation – click here.

 

Hawkins excited about federal grant for local transportation projects

State Sen. Brad Hawkins of the 12th Legislative District applauded today’s announcement that a federal grant has been approved for the Apple Capital Loop project in Wenatchee.

The $92.4 million grant by the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) will be used to construct a network of projects on the 11-mile loop, including intersection improvements to State Route 285/North Wenatchee Avenue, construction of a railroad underpass on McKittrick Street, and replacement of a signalized intersection with a roundabout at U.S. Highway 2/Easy Street. It will also create an approximately 2.5-mile bypass of SR-285, replace an at-grade intersection with a half-diamond grade-separated interchange, and widen a segment of State Route 28.

“The INFRA grant award is a monumental moment for our local transportation efforts,” said Hawkins. “A big congratulations to Mayor Frank Kuntz and all of our local partners who have been steadfast in their efforts over multiple years in pursuing this grant. I was proud to support it and thank our federal officials for their advocacy and efforts. This is beyond exciting for our region. A gigantic win that cannot be overstated!”

In a letter sent this April to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, Hawkins wrote, “As proposed, this grant will fund a package of extremely important transportation projects throughout the Wenatchee Valley and will improve safety, mobility, system reliability and congestion relief for citizens and businesses across the region.”