Chelan PUD & Wenatchee Form Interlocal Agreement for Riverfront Park Improvements

The Chelan PUD and the city of Wenatchee have moved forward with an interlocal agreement for development work to Riverfront Park.

"The interlocal agreement that solidifies a partnership with the city of Wenatchee and the district with significant benefit to both parties and the community at large," said Justin Erickson, managing director of district services.

According to Erickson, the benefits include recreational enhancements in Riverfront Park as well as increased economic development in the city of Wenatchee. The emphasis of the planning effort will be focused on what is deemed the 'core area', between 5th Street and Pybus. The city owns a majority of the land within this area, however the district owns the land from the boat launch and south of that area.

"The city of Wenatchee will provide $2 million for park planning and capital improvements. $200,000 of that $2 million is reserved for this initial planning phase," said Erickson. "In addition to the $200,000 match that the district is providing, we will also provide $300,000 to the city for capital projects."

The city of Wenatchee is applying the funding from the PUD to redevelopment efforts in the North Wenatchee area, specifically the McKittrick Street extension effort.

The contract was approved at the PUD Commission meeting on March 15.