Recycle Center among public works active and proposed projects

CHELAN – After the loss of the Chelan Recycle Center at 23233 US 97A to a fire in July 2024, the city is working toward the date when a request for bids can begin the process to construct a new facility.

“We are still working with our insurance company right now,” said Capital Project Manager Rox Hoskins. Hoskins added that work continues on the center’s design phase. 

Lift Station 1

Upgrading the city’s aging sewer lift station 1 (LS#1) in Riverwalk Park is part of a process to convert all three lift stations to submersible pump stations with the goal of greater operating liability and uniformity.

According to the city website, cityofchelan.us, the aging mechanical and electrical equipment at LS#1 presents operational difficulties and the building housing it is structurally deficient. In addition, “conversion will eliminate the undesirable building that is currently located within the Riverwalk Park,” the website said.

The estimated $2 million project is included in the city’s 2023 general sewer plan.

Downtown water/sewer 

Earlier this spring the city initiated an improvement project to replace aging water and sewer infrastructure in the project area of Columbia Street, Nixon Avenue, and the 300-400 block alleyway between E. Woodin and E. Wapato Avenues.

Hoskins said paving there is currently underway. 

A couple more projects to watch for that are part of the city’s six-year transportation Improvement Program (STIP) include the Apple Blossom Pedestrian Trail and the Sanders Street Pedestrian improvements.

Sanders Street will feature improvements at the intersections of Okanogan Avenue and Wapato Avenue with Sanders Street. The project generally includes the installation of pedestrian ramp bulb-outs, stormwater, lighting, and striping improvements.

Apple Blossom Trail will extend pedestrian access between the sidewalk at the east end of Woodin Avenue (SR 150 and SR 97A) and Apple Blossom Drive. It has funding pending.

At the June 10 city council meeting, Tower Consulting, who assists the city with its grants and funding applications, announced a pending $2.2 million grant from the WSDOT Pedestrian Bike Program earmarked for the Apple Blossom project.

The city’s ambitious list more than a dozen of proposed and active projects can be viewed at Current Public Works Projects under Public Works at cityofchelan.us.

Mike Maltais: 360-333-8483 or michael@ward.media