HomeMy WebLinkAbout01.27.2025 PW SS Briefings KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS —BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: January 27,2025
TOPIC: 2024 Kittitas County Airport Annual Report
ACTION REQUESTED: Informational Only
LEAD STAFF:
Joshua Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational only,no action required
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) charter adopted December 21, 2020 requires
an annual report be presented to the Board of County Commissioners
• Annual report to address long-range goals for Airport Development and
accomplishments achieved during the preceding year
• Long range goals focus on areas identified in the Bowers Business Park
Development plan published March 2022
BACKGROUND:
The Aviation Advisory Committee (AAC)charter was amended December 21, 2020
identifying the AAC purpose to advise and inform the Airport Director and staff on
matters pertaining to the development to the aeronautical, industrial, and agricultural
areas at Bowers Field.As part of the amended charter an annual report has been prepared
outlining long-range goals and accomplishments for the 2024 year.
DISCUSSION:
Long term goals of economic development and growth continue to be supported by the
AAC.This includes focus on areas identified in the Bowers Business Park Development
plan. This plan has been drafted by J-U-B Engineers with input from the Technical
Advisory Group(TAG)as well as the AAC. The AAC and staff continue to work
together towards these strategic goals.
The AAC and staff identified a need to update the T-hangar and wait list policies.
Through a collaborative effort,these were drafted and adopted to provide improved
consistency and transparency to those looking to lease a T-hangar.
Challenges were also present. In an effort to continue with the parallel taxiway,the FAA
provided approval in the first quarter of a `Pen and Ink' revision to remove the crosswind
runway 7/25. In the fourth quarter the FAA rescinded their `Pen and Ink' approval of the
Airport Layout Plan update to remove the crosswind runway 7/25. This had an impact on
the design and timeline of the parallel taxiway project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: Bowers Field Annual Report-2024
Exhibit 1: Bowers Field Annual Report- 2024
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DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Josh Fredrickson Director
KITTITAS COUNTY
January 27, 2024
Board of County Commissioners
Kittitas County
Re: Bowers Field Annual Report- 2024
Board of County Commissioners:
In accordance with the Bowers Field Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) amended charter as
approved December 21, 2020, the Airport Manager and Committee Chair have prepared an
annual report outlining long-range goals for Airport development along with accomplishments
achieved during the preceding year. This current report covers calendar year 2024.
During 2024 the AAC continued its work on developing plans and recommendations to the
Board of County Commissioners for improvements to airport operations and development of
economic potential. The focus remains on those areas identified in the Bowers Business Park
Development plan published in March 2022 and those lots within the aeronautical fenced
properties which are currently open for development. In addition, an economic report from J-U-B
Engineers was under development. The AAC reviewed the draft report and provided input to
help guide future economic development and use of airport facilities. In addition to the 2022
report, this report will help guide future economic growth. A Community Economic Revitalization
Board (CERB) grant was awarded and a task order signed with the airport consultant for a
Bowers Business Park Feasibility Study. The objective is to evaluate the feasibility of
development of up to 850 acres of land surrounding the airport. This will produce a master plan
document to report existing conditions of the properties and recommendations of actionable
items to promote future development. Task items with the consultant began in the fourth quarter
of 2023 and are anticipated to be complete in 2025.
Airport staff continued to update the AAC on the status of the proposed parallel taxiway. The
FAA also withdrew their ALP approval for the closed 7/25 runway.
Long Range Goals for Airport Development:
An Airport Strategic Business Plan was developed in 2021 and adopted for the airport in 2022.
This effort produced four goals to focus efforts for the development of Airport and Industrial
Park. Goals included the following:
1. Increase the capital investment in revenue generating assets at the Airport by forty
percent (40%) by the end of 2024.
411 N. Ruby St., Suite#1 TEL (509)962-7523
Ellensburg,WA 98926 FAX (509)962-7663
Dept.of Public Works
Page 2
2. Secure the development and/or operation of new aeronautical and aerospace products,
services, and facilities by 2024.
3. Increase the economic impact of the Airport on the community by twenty percent (20%)
by the end of 2024.
4. Improve and enhance the safety, security, and efficiency of the Airport's airside
infrastructure by the end of 2023.
The AAC and airport staff continue to work towards a collaborative effort to accomplish the
goals above. Focus was given to items three and four. This was primarily accomplished through
the economic report work done by J-U-B Engineers. Safety has also been a focus by working
through expanded mowing and weed abatement schedule and the finalization of the Wildlife
Hazard Evaluation and Management Plan.
A T-Hangar lease policy and waitlist policy were adopted for use at Bowers Field. This will assist
in providing current information to prospective lease holders as well as being able to better track
the status of applications.
The model airplane club has been a longtime user of property at Bowers Field. The Club held a
revocable license for use of a portion of the property, which expired. This revocable license was
renewed with support from the AAC.
Support of a City of Ellensburg application was provided for a Palouse To Cascade trail
connection grant. A portion of the connecting trail would be along the Airport property. The AAC
offered their support of the project.
Accomplishments Achieved:
• Improved maintenance of airside and landside property
o Expanded schedule of mowing and weed abatement
o Improved Foreign Object Debris Program (FOD) awareness and mitigation
program. Partnered with Central Washington University flight school for a FOD
walk of the runway.
o Taxiway shoulder gravel leveling project completion
o Timely snow removal and Notice to Air Missions (NOTAMs) filing
o Removal of abandoned concrete foundations
• Airport Projects
o Wetland mitigation project construction complete. Currently monitoring to ensure
plant survivability.
o Previous wildlife assessment analysis completed, and draft Wildlife Hazard
Evaluation and Management Plan completed and presented.
o The apron reconfiguration and taxi lane rehabilitation project was constructed.
This included funding from the FAA and WSDOT Aviation grant funding.
o Design on the parallel taxiway continues to progress. Although discretionary
funding had been removed by the FAA, the consultant is working to finalize
plans. Once plans are complete, the project will be in a position to move forward
with review by the FAA.
• Private Development
o One General Aviation (GA) hangar constructed
411 North Ruby Street, Suite 1 TEL (509)962-7523
Ellensburg,WA 98926 FAX (509)962-7663
Dept.of Public Works
Page 3
o Fixed Based Operator(FBO) hangar constructed and opened
o Relocated Airfield staff to the FBO building. Allowing direct access for equipment
to the airfield side.
o Began process to modify the binding site plan including a review by the AAC.
• Leases
o Lease renewals are being updated
o Updated lease template including for the business park
• Consultants
o Ongoing efforts being made to obtain the necessary environmental permits to
complete future planned construction including the parallel taxiway and runway
narrowing.
Projects continue to be worked on to promote and develop the airfield. The AAC and Airport
Staff continue to work together with renewed focus on the strategic goals.
Sincerely,
Josh Fredrickson
Airport Manager
411 North Ruby Street, Suite 1 TEL (509)962-7523
Ellensburg,WA 98926 FAX (509)962-7663
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: January 27,2025
TOPIC: Public Facilities Project Awards
ACTION REQUESTED: Direct Staff to prepare enabling documents
LEAD STAFF:
Joshua Fredrickson
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct staff to prepare enabling documents including contracts and award for funding.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Kittitas County receives Distressed County Sales and Use Tax (.09 funds).
• Funds are utilized to support economic development activities and construction of
public facilities.
• The Conference of Government makes recommendations for funding projects.
• Three projects are currently proposed.
BACKGROUND:
The 1999 State Legislature passed RCW 82.14.370 Sales and Use Tax for Public
Facilities in rural counties. These funds are for the purpose of supporting economic
growth and financing Public Facilities including but not limited to, bridges, roads,
domestic and industrial water facilities, and sanitary sewer facilities. Kittitas County's
Public Facilities Fund(108)provides the mechanism for investing Distressed County
Sales and Use Tax in Kittitas County. These funds are utilized to support economic
development activities and construction of public facilities.
DISCUSSION:
The Conference of Governments (COG)previously adopted a work program with a focus
on specific infrastructure projects and economic growth opportunities. At their
November 20, 2024, and January 15, 2025, regularly scheduled meetings COG met to
receive project reports and requests for funding on specific work program projects. This
included two specific infrastructure projects and support of ongoing work of the Kittitas
County Chamber of Commerce. Support for the following projects and associated
funding amounts were made by COG.
- Town of South Cle Elum for up to $1,000,000 to support the design of the town
water system.
- City of Kittitas - $1,100,000 for design of sanitary sewer system
- Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce- $180,000
Page 1 of 2
Public Works"Work Session Staff Report"2025
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Funding is available in the Public Facilities Fund(Fund 108)
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 2 of 2
Public Works"Work Session Staff Report"2025
KITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
PUBLIC WORKS—BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT
STUDY SESSION DATE: January 27, 2025
TOPIC: Potential Ellensburg Water Company Flood Control Zone District
Interlocal Agreement
ACTION REQUESTED: Direction to Staff
LEAD STAFF:
Arden Thomas
RECOMMENDATION:
Direct staff to develop an interlocal agreement with the Ellensburg Water Company and
prepare enabling documentation.
BRIEFING SUMMARY:
• Ellensburg Water Company(EWC)has an agreement with D.R.Horton to
address canal sedimentation caused by Whiskey Creek floodwaters entering the
canal which will expire this spring.
• The EWC—D.R.Horton agreement is short term,to address flood impacts that
occurred before the Whiskey Creek Siphon project was constructed and the
Bender Road flow restrictor was removed.
• Since Kittitas County Public Works has not yet constructed the siphon,we
propose to reimburse the Ellensburg Water Company for their sediment removal
cost over a two-year period.
• Sediment removal costs are expected to be about$4,000 per year.
BACKGROUND:
Ellensburg Water Company (EWC)has an agreement with D.R.Horton to address canal
sedimentation caused by Whiskey Creek floodwaters entering the canal.This agreement
is short term,to address flood impacts before the Whiskey Creek Siphon project was
constructed and the Bender Road flow restrictor was removed. The agreement between
D.R. Horton and Ellensburg Water Company ends this February. Since the Whiskey
Creek siphon project has not yet been constructed and the Bender Road flow restrictor
will still be in place,Ellensburg Water Company will likely need to remove sediment
from Whiskey Creek sediment from their canal this year. Since Kittitas County Public
Works has not yet constructed the siphon,we propose to reimburse the Ellensburg Water
Company for their sediment removal cost over a two-year period.
DISCUSSION:
Flood Control Zone District staff are supportive of funding sediment removal over an
interim period to allow additional time for the siphon project to be constructed. However,
Page 1 of 2
Public Works"Work Session Staff Report",2024
we do not want to create an expectation that the Flood Control Zone District is more
broadly responsible for canal maintenance responsibilities associated with flood waters.
FISCAL IMPACTS:
Annual sediment removal costs are expected to be about$4000 per year. The Flood
Control Zone District did not budget for this specific cost in 2025,however,there is
sufficient fund reserve to cover the cost.
ATTACHMENTS:
None
Page 2 of 2
Public Works"Work Session Staff Report",2024