Res-2018-177 Distressed Sales and Use Tax Cle Elum

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systems, at the same location, while providing multiple benefits. Integrated planning allows time alignment across project scheduling for construction of all related systems. Because of the nature of these related systems, C9Qtdinating above and below ground elements minimiz.es disturbances while bringing aging infrastructure to a state of good repair with expected capacity. Additionally, the City should receive favorable construction bids due to the economy of scale. The design and construction of the proposed components at Billings Avenue and First Street completes another full intersection identified in the Downtown Revitalization Plan, prepares the City for economic development opportunities, and displays the City's commitment to its citizens and businesses. By planning in an integrated manner, necessary interruptions to local transportation, commerce, and day-to-day operations will be limited to one occasion, placing Cle Elum in a positive light with existing and prospective businesses. Separately, each of the project elements addresses infrastructure issues that are linked to economic development. When considered together, the First Street Stonnwater and Billings A.venue Intersection Improvements project is undeniably well aligned with the purpose of the Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program. This project and the Downtown Revitaliz.ation effort as a whole will not only directly impact the Cle Elum population of nearly 2,000 people, but will also positively reach all of Upper Kittitas County's 5,000 residents as Cle Blum's "downtown" is considered the downtown Upper Kittitas County. With very limited commerce opportunities in the neighboring• communities of South Cle Elum, Roslyn, Ronald, and Suncadia, Cle Elum' s regionally significant Downtown Revitalization can meet all of Gpper Kittitas County's day-to-day needs including retail, dining, service, medical, grocery, fuel, amongst many other industries. Complementing established businesses, the Downtown Revitaliz.ation will spark infill opportunities and expanded commerce. Stormwater Infrastructure Currently, Cle Blum's downtown is hampered by an inadequate stormwater system, negatively impacting commerce following rain and snow events throughout the year. Cle Elum enjoys year- round outdoor tourism. Ample amounts of snow provide wintertime outdoor activities and considerable spring and fall rain provides lush and attractive forests encouraging outdoor recreation for much of the year. The same precipitation levels that position the City as a natural tourist destination also expose the deficiencies of the stonnwater system. Puddling water during rain storms and icing of the streets in the winter discourage non-motorized transportation and stunt a vibrant and walkable downtown. The detrimental infiltration and inflow (I&I) issues hampering Cle Elum 's regional wastewater system are being identified and potentially partially corrected during the storm.water system reconstruction. By proln"biting unmanaged storm.water and I&I from consuming wastewater capacity, the City will be able to encourage commercial growth without costly upgrades to the regional wastewater treatment plant serving Cle Elum, South Cle Elum, Suncadia, Roslyn and Ronald. The City recently secured funding to fully design and construct Phase Two -First Street Stonnwater Improvements, a major component to the First Street Stormwater and Billings A.venue Intersection Improvements project. Sidewalk Infrastructure To shorten walking distances to encourage safe pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Billings A venue and First Street, bulb-outs, pedestrian lighting, and street lighting will be intrO:(lu.ced, designed for consistency with the First Street and Peoh Avenue intersection improvements, at the easterly downtown corridor entrance. Currently, the sidewalks along First Street ere not continuous, have ADA compliance deficiencies, and are in an overall in a state of disrepair. The downtown revitalization project will create a walkable pedestrian corridor for residents and tourists, spurring positive economic impacts for cafes, retailers, and other downtown businesses. Constructing the bookends at the First Street and Peoh Avenue and First Street and Billings Avenue intersections is a means of definin.g the City's expected pedestrian commerce area and future walkable "Main Street". 6