Chelan County Asking for Dismissal of Lawsuit from Mission Ridge Ski Resort

Chelan County is asking a judge for dismissal of a lawsuit it faces from the parent company of Mission Ridge Ski Resort.

The county filed a request March 3 for a judgement in its favor before the lawsuit moves forward in court.

A hearing is now set for April 26 to hear the request, after Tamarack Saddle accused the county of delaying the process of its expansion plans at Mission Ridge.

Tamarack Saddle filed it's lawsuit asking for more than $6 million in damages back in September. 

The county and Natural Resources director Mike Kaputa filed motions in response on Nov. 8 and Nov. 30.

The court case is being heard in Douglas County because Chelan County is a defendant in the case.

Okanogan County visiting Judge Robert Grim is presiding over the case after Douglas County Superior Court Judge Brian Huber recused himself.

One cause of disagreement is whether an environmental traffic impact study is necessary before the expansion can move forward.

The expansion plans call for onsite lodging and accommodations, which Mission Ridge calls a game changer, which would differentiate the resort from others in the Northwest.

It also includes additional parking as well as an expansion of restaurant and beverage services.

In addition, the resort would enlarge its footprint to increase capacity for beginner skiing and Nordic skiing.