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retail leakage. The nearest large commercial center is Yakima, 35 miles1:o the south, and which <br />is a popular destination for retail shopping. <br />There are currently two freeway interchanges, providing access to Ellensburg and substantial <br />opportunity for commercial development. The south interchange at Canyon Road is currently <br />the more developed of the two existing interchange areas, offering lodging, dining, and <br />gasoline sales. The west interchange provides similar services but not at the same intensity. <br />Both interchange areas have been identified for regional retail commercial development, at a <br />scale that serve the City of Ellensburg as well as the surrounding region. <br />Healthcare <br />Kittitas Valley Healthcare operates KVH <br />Hospital and seven clinics that Include <br />primary care, internal medicine, <br />orthopedics, surgical, and women's <br />health services. KVH alone employs <br />approximately 600 people. The hospital <br />Is working on a new campus master <br />plan that will potentially expand the <br />footprint of the campus. <br />As the second largest employer in <br />Ellensburg, KVH is a significant economic driver in the community. With plans for expansion, <br />and projected growth In Ellensburg's 65 or older population, KVH is expected to remain a key <br />part of Ellensburg's economic growth over the next 20 years. <br />Institutional <br />Ellensburg has a long-standing and <br />Important instltutlonal history; <br />Ellensburg is home to Central <br />Washington University and is the County <br />seat. Local government and education <br />are by far the largest economic sectors <br />~ in Ellensburg. <br />Central Washington University is an <br />Important and vital force in the <br />community. CWU's campus occupies <br />more than 300 acres and employees <br />almost 1,400 full-time staff, and approximately 274 part-time staff. In addition, CWU has over <br />2,000 student employees. In the spring of 2017, the Ellensburg campus enrollment was over <br />9,600 students. CWU plans to cap student on-campus enrollment at 12,000 students. <br />CITY OF ELLENSBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ~ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT o PAGE 124