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systems, at the same location, while providing multiple benefits. Integrated planning allows time <br />alignment across project scheduling for construction of all related systems. Because of the nature of <br />these related systems, coordinating above and below ground elements minimizes disturbances while <br />bringing aging infrastructure to a state of good repair with expected capacity. Additionally, the City <br />should receive favorable construction bids due to the economy of scale. The design and construction <br />of the proposed components at Billings Avenue and First Strieet completes another full intersection <br />identified in the Downtown Revitalization Plan, prepares the City for economic development <br />opportunities, and displays the City's commitment to its citizens and businesses. <br />By planning in an integrated manner, necessary interruptions to local transportation, commerce, and <br />day -today operations will be limited to one occasion, placing Cle Slum in a positive light with <br />existing and prospective businesses. Separately, each of the project elements addresses infrastructure <br />issues that are linked to economic development. When considered together, the First Street <br />Stormwater and Billings Avenue Intersection Improvements project is undeniably well aligned with <br />the purpose of the Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program. <br />This project and the Downtown Revitalization effort as a whole will not only directly impact the Cle <br />Elum population of nearly 2,000 people, but will also positively reach all of Upper Kitdtas Couaty's <br />5,000 residents as Cle Elum's "downtown" is considered the downtown Upper Kittitas County. With <br />very limited commence opportunities in the neighboring communities of South Cle Elum, Roslyn, <br />Ronald, and Suncadia, Cie Elum's regionally significant Downtown Revitalization can meet all of <br />Upper Kittitas County's day -today needs including retail, dining] service, medical, grocery, fuel, <br />amongst many other industries. Complementing established businesses, the Downtown <br />Revitalization will spark infill opportunities and expanded commerce. <br />Stonswater Infrastructure <br />Currently, Cle Elum's downtown is hampered by an inadequate stormwater system, negatively <br />impacting commerce following rain and snow events throughout the year. Cie Elum enjoys year - <br />wand outdoor tourism. Ample amounts of snow provide wintertime outdoor activities and <br />considerable spring and fall rain provides lush and attractive forests encouraging outdoor recreation <br />for much of the year. The same precipitation levels that position the City as a natural tourist <br />destination also expose the deficiencies of the stormwatcr system, Puddling water during rain <br />storms and icing of the streets in the winter discourage non -motorized transportation and stint a <br />vibrant and walkable downtown. The detrimental infiltration and inflow (I&I) issues hampering Cle <br />Mum's regional wastewater system are being identified and potentially partially corrected during the <br />stormwater system reconstruction. By prohibiting unmanaged stormwater and I&I from consuming <br />wastewater capacity, the City will be able to encourage commercial growth without costly upgrades <br />to the regional wastewater treatment plant serving Cle Elum, South Cie Elum, Suncadia, Roslyn and <br />Ronald. The City recently secured funding to fully design and construct Phase Two — First Street <br />Stor mwater Improvements, a major component to the First Sir mt Stor mwater and Billings Avenue <br />Intersection Improvemenis project. <br />Sidewalk Ixfrashucture <br />To shorten wa&mg distances to encourage safe pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Billings <br />Avenue and. First Street, bulb -outs, pedestrian lighting, and street lighting will be introduced, <br />designed for consistency with the First Street and Peoh Avenue intersection improvements, at the <br />easterly downtown corridor entrance. Currently, the sidewalks along First Street are not continuous, <br />have ADA compliance deficiencies, and are in an overall in a state of disrepair. The downtown <br />revitalization project will create a walkable pedestrian corridor for residents and tourists, spurring <br />positive economic impacts for cafes, retailers, and other downtown businesses. Constructing the <br />bookends at the First Street and Pech Avenue and First Street and Billings Avenue intersections is a <br />means of defining the City's expected pedestrian commerce area and future walkable "Main Street". <br />6 <br />