Chelan County Awards $50,000 in Grant Funds for City of Cashmere Undeveloped Lot

The city of Cashmere was among several local entities to receive a portion of the $740,000 grant funding provided by Chelan County with the city awarded $50,000 to apply toward an undeveloped lot.

The grant funding will be paired with city funds to install water and sewer extensions to a piece of property that borders the Burlington Northern railroad tracks.

"This property was maybe a warehouse that loaded tree fruit onto railcars that was torn down decades ago," said Mayor Jim Fletcher. "The property sat empty and belonged to the railroad until 30 years ago when the city purchased it with the idea of making it a parking lot."

The city is considering putting the property, which is gravel currently, to commercial use. The property will become developable, thanks to the grant funding supporting the water and sewer extension installation.

"Our goal is by working with the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority to find a proper developer," said Fletcher. "If they can help us find a good developer and get the right kind of small, industrial, light commercial buildings on there; we might have the space for a couple of new businesses."

Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority also received grant funding to apply toward the Cashmere Mill Site. The city of Wenatchee, city of Leavenworth, Peshastin Water District and Lake Chelan Reclamation District were also included in the county's grant funding.