Fully Executed R23d - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

The Railroad Street Rehabilitation and Truck Route project directly aligns with the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan {KCEDSP) goals of collaboration, economic resilience, balanced gro\l/th, community investment, and preservation. Designating Railroad Street as a truck route would create the desired modal separation between the major east-west route through downtown Cle Elum. lmprovements to the existing roadway would divert existing freight traffic on First Street to Railroad Street, extending the life of the recently constructed streetscape irnprovements on First Street and reducing potential conflicts with the passenger vehicle, public transportation, and pedestrian modes on First Street. Preservation of the newly revitalized downtown First Street Corridor is necessary in order to allow current businesses to thrive while also attracting new business to the area, which will promote more tourism and generate more revenue for the community. The attached vicinity map shows the projed location with respect to nearby housing and the Central Business District. 2. Economic Benefit: Describe how the project will foster economic development in the community andf or Kitlitas County. lnclude specific details on its potential to attract or retain businesses, create jobs, and enhance the municipality's appeal to investors. Tourism is the leading economic driver in the City of Cle Elum and the nearby communities. The First Street downtown corridor is regionally significant with a variety of retail, dining, medical, grocery, fuel, and other essential services.ln 2Ot7, the City of Cle Elum initiated a Downtown Revitalization effort to enhance the appearance of First Street, increase economic growth and vitality, and create a safe watkable streetscape. Eight years and 25 funding sources later, the full First Street Downtown Revitalization project has been completed as of summ er 2O25, with the roadway anticipated to be resurfaced in 2026. Businesses in the downtown corridor have reported economic growth, as previously empty store fronts are no longer vacant, as a result of the First Street Downtown Revitalization project. From December of 2020 to July 2025 the City of Cle Elum has reported an increase of L57% in new city business licenses. ln order to maintain the attractive appearance and walkability of the recently constructed First Street downtown corridor, heavy freight traffic will need to bypass the downtown corridor. Designating Railroad Street as a truck route would create the desired modal separation between the major east-west routes through downtown Cle Elum. lmprovements to the existing roadway would divert existing freight traffic on First Street to Railroad Street, extending the life of the recentty constructed streetscape improvements on First Street and reducing poten6al conflicts with the growing daily presence of pedestrian's commerce.