Last week, county representatives joined regional, tribal, and state partners at the Washington State Transportation Council Meeting to showcase local transportation priorities and the future of the Wenatchi Landing Interchange.
Last week Douglas County representatives, including Economic Development Director Soo Ing-Moody and County Engineer Aaron Simmons, joined city, county, regional, tribal, and state partners at the Washington State Transportation Council Meeting, held at the Confluence Technology Center. The two-day event provided an opportunity to highlight local transportation priorities and collaborate on solutions that benefit the entire region.
Economic Development Director Soo Ing-Moody emphasized that transportation funding is an investment in the region’s future. She highlighted the Wenatchi Landing Interchange, a long-term Douglas County vision, with progress dependent on federal funding. Once completed, the interchange would connect US 2/97 and SR-28, providing safe and reliable access and supporting the 317-acre mixed-use development on the Columbia River in East Wenatchee’s Urban Growth Area. The project has already received federal attention, with funding requests currently under consideration for between $3 and $10 million dollars through Representative Dan Newhouse and Senator Patty Murray. Situated at the convergence of natural landscapes and major transportation corridors, Wenatchi Landing offers an ideal location for diverse mixed-use development. Its master plan includes recreation, resort-style hospitality, wineries, retail spaces, business parks, offices, and apartments—all integrated with the riverfront Apple Capital Loop Trail network.
Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons, together with Chelan County Engineer Eric Pierson, presented on transportation needs across both counties, outlining challenges in building and maintaining a well-functioning system. They also discussed potential mitigation strategies, including:
- Legislative solutions: Exploring alternatives to the gas tax while ensuring constitutional protections and fair regional distribution.
- Property tax protections: Safeguarding dedicated levies from being diverted by other agencies, while allowing CPI adjustments for certain taxing districts.
The Washington State Transportation Commission also toured projects in Chelan and Douglas Counties, ending at the Wenatchi Landing site. Link Transit provided an electric bus for the tour, a demonstration of regional collaboration at work.
It was a productive two days of coordination, planning, and partnership to address regional transportation needs and opportunities.
