U.S. Senator Patty Murray visited the Wenatchi Landing site on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, to discuss how federal investment can support the area's development.
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited the Wenatchi Landing site on Wednesday, May 28th, to receive an update on the project and discuss how federal investment can support the area’s development.
Nestled along the Columbia River in the heart of Central Washington, Wenatchi Landing spans 317 acres of scenic, undeveloped land poised for transformative mixed-use development. This hidden gem presents a rare opportunity to drive substantial economic growth, create jobs, and advance infrastructure in a region primed for expansion. Strategically positioned with direct access to U.S. Highway 2 and 97, the site also connects seamlessly to State Route 28 and the broader Douglas County transportation network.
Four initial phases of the project have already been completed, including the construction of two key roadways that will support the future interchange. The next critical step toward realizing the full potential of Wenatchi Landing is securing funding for the remaining three phases. Federal investment in these phases will catalyze the vision for Wenatchi Landing, supporting a robust and sustainable local economy while improving regional connectivity and infrastructure.
Senator Murray was joined by several regional officials and project partners, including:
- Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chair Marc Straub, Vice Chair Dan Sutton, and Commissioner Randy Agnew
- Douglas County Administrator Jordyn Giulio, County Engineer Aaron Simmons, Risk and Records Manager Tiana Rowland, Land Services Director Kazi Haque, and staff
- Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority Commissioners Mark Spurgeon, Alan Loebsack, Richard DeRock, and Jim Huffman
- Douglas County Sewer District Commissioners Wayne Barnhardt, Greg Peterson, and Cheryl Sutton
- WSDOT Regional Administrator Chris Keifenhiem
- Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority CEO Jim Kunz
- Douglas County Sewer District Manager Darrel Winans
- Chelan Douglas Transportation Council Executive Director Jeff Wilkens
- Link Transit CEO Nick Covey
In remarks at the site, Senator Murray emphasized the regional significance of Wenatchi Landing:
“The Wenatchi Landing project means so much to Douglas County—it’s going to bring more jobs, new residents, and tourism to the area with the new development of everything from a regional job center to retail and housing,” said Senator Murray. “So, it was important for me to come here to see the site, learn about the path ahead, and hear what I can do to best support this work at the federal level. I’m already exploring all avenues to help secure the funding this project needs, whether that’s helping to support grant applications or securing funding through Congressionally Directed Spending in our appropriations bills. Federal investment is going to be essential to turning the vision for Wenatchi Landing into a reality, and you can bet I will be doing everything in my power to ensure this project moves forward.”
Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chair Marc Straub also shared his appreciation:
“On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, we are grateful to Senator Murray for her steadfast and unwavering support of the Wenatchi Landing project and her ongoing efforts to champion federal investment in our region,” said Straub. “Wenatchi Landing represents a transformative opportunity—not just for Douglas County, but for the entire region and Washington State. This project is poised to deliver significant economic growth, attract new businesses and jobs, and enhance transportation safety and connectivity along US-2/97. With Senator Murray’s support and advocacy, we are one step closer to realizing a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive development that will leave a lasting legacy of growth and connection for generations to come.”
Federal support is a key component in moving this project forward, and we appreciate Senator Murray’s recognition of its regional importance. The Board has been actively working with our federal representatives—including Congressman Dan Newhouse, who visited the site last fall, Senator Cantwell, and other congressional leaders—to build broad support for this transformative initiative. Wenatchi Landing remains a top priority for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, who are committed to working collaboratively with regional partners and federal transportation agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation, to secure the resources necessary to bring this vision to life.