Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutKittitas County WA - 2021-22 Federal Agenda - DRAFT 3 (CW with TFG) 0 Approved by Board of Commissioners February 16, 2021 2021 Federal Legislative Platform KITTITAS COUNTY, WA 1 Kittitas County, WA From the Cascades to the Columbia Kittitas County is located at the center of the state of Washington between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Ellensburg serves as the county seat and is accompanied by four other incorporated cities which include Cle Elum, Kittitas, Roslyn, and South Cle Elum. Almost 50,000 people call Kittitas County home. The county is rich in natural resources and boasts a history of supporting its communities through its lands and beauty. The Kittitas Valley served as a traditional gathering place for tribes who occupied the lands along the Yakima River for thousands of years. Later, the nutrient-rich soils and abundant water in the Valley supported livestock, farming, dairies, logging, lumber processing, and mining. To this day, agriculture remains one of the top industries for the county’s economy. Approximately 64% of Kittitas County is owned and managed by Federal and State Agencies. These lands include the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the U.S. Army’s Yakima Training Center. Kittitas County is also the home of Central Washington University located in Ellensburg which supports a highly educated workforce. The University hosts approximately 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year and remains a top priority for investment from the State of Washington. The natural beauty and diverse climate of the county also provides robust recreational opportunities for residents and tourists including skiing, biking, hiking, fishing, and outdoor events. Board of Commissioners Cory Wright – District 1 Laura Osiadacz – District 2 Brett Wachsmith – District 3 Year Organized 1883 County Seat Ellensburg Population 47,935 Area 2,314 sq. miles 1,481,600 acres Elevation From 478’ to 7881’ Did you know? Upper Kittitas County was a significant coal mining area in the early 20th century and still has estimated reserves of over 200 million tons. Did you know? The Ellensburg Rodeo is considered one of the nation’s top rodeos and has been held every Labor Day Weekend since 1923. 2 Federal Priorities CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Kittitas County remains focused on providing public health support to our citizens and long term economic recovery to our communities. PUBLIC SAFETY Kittitas County endeavors to provide safe communities, reliable law enforce- ment, and enhanced protections for our residents and communities. COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ECONOMIC One of Kittitas County’s top priorities is ensuring that public initiatives provide our residents with the support they need and help drive local and regional economic resiliency. NATURAL RESOURCES Preserving and protecting the robust natural resources of Kittitas County is essential to the overall health and vitality of our communities and their residents. INFRASTRUCTURE Reliable and safe public infrastructure is a top priority for Kittitas County as we strive to support our current residents and plan for our future. 3 CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Coronavirus Pandemic and COVID-19 Response Support sustainable and consistent funding to local governements to aide in the response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.Support assistance for small businesses,non-profit and community based organizations,schools,and universities to help them respond to and recover from impacts of the pandemic. CARES Act Funding Advocate for financial support to be administered directly to local governmental agencies and allow for flexible uses including to help recover lost revenues due to the pandemic. Technology Seek funding for the installantion of audio visual and teleconferencing improvements in County buildings,facilities,and equipment that support teleworking and social distancing requirements. COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Distribution Support programs and iniatives that provide for efficient distribution of COVID- 19 testing and vaccination materials and supplies for Kittitas County communities,small businesses,schools,and universities. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Support programs and initiatives to help address mental health and substance abuse issues,including wraparound services,which have particularly been exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic,for all County residents including inmates. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life in Kittitas County. As the County continues to respond to the needs of our citizens and communities on a day-to-day basis, we are committed to leading our communities to a full recovery through investment in infrastructure, enhanced public safety, continued community support and economic development, and protection of our natural resources. 4 INFRASTRUCTURE I-90 Corridor Support funding for the expansion and improvement of the I-90 Corridor to encourage economic development,improve public safety,and ease traffic congestion.Support the I-90 Corridor efforts through coalition development. Solid Waste Transfer Station Support funding for the construction of the new Solid Waste Transfer Station which will relocate the current facility from a flood-prone area to a new and safer location. Bowers Field Support funding to aid in the expansion of airport infrastructure at Bowers Field (Kittitas County Airport)including opportunities to address perceived contaminated sites. County Buildings Support funding for the construction and/or improvement of County buildings, including increasing energy efficiency and improving technologies. Broadband Deployment Support funding to accelerate the deployment of broadband technology in the County including increasing bandwidth and last mile connections. Transportation Infrastructure Support legislation that provides funding for transportation infrastructure,in particular for rural areas.Seek funding for County transportation infrastructure priorities.Support local control of roadways and transportation infrastructure. Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Support legislation that provides funding for the improvement of water and wastewater infrastructure in communities.Seek funding for County water and wastewater infrastructure priorities. Multi-Modal Transportation Hub Support funding for the development of a multi-modal transportation center in the City of Ellensburg to support local and regional transportation and economic development goals. Kittitas Valley Event Center Support funding for the improvement,repair,and preservation of historic structures at the Kittitas Valley Event Center and Fairgrounds. 5 COMMUNITY SUPPORT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Economic Development Opportunties Support programs and initiatives to advance economic development activities throughout the County. Workforce Housing Support programs and inititatives to provide for the availablily of sustainable and diverse housing for all County residents. School Resource Officers Support programs to help establish school resource officers in unincoporated areas of the County. Workforce Training Support programs and initiatives that provide workforce training opportunities for County residents including County inmates. Public Health Education Support programs and initiatives that promote general health and disease prevention education. 6 PUBLIC SAFETY Mental Health and Substance Abuse Support programs and initiatives to help address mental health and substance abuse issues,including wraparound services,which have particularly been exacerbated by the COVID-19 Pandemic,for all County residents including inmates. Emergency Operations Center Support funding for the expansion and improvement of the County Emergency Operations Center. Traffic and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Support programs and funding to assist the County in Traffic and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and Safety which is affected by the high number of visitors to the County for outdoor recreation. Virtual Trials and Hearings Support funding opportunities for virtual trials,hearings,and court proceedings to accomodate for limited space at County court buildings and the need to follow social distancing and public health protocols. Diversion Programs Support programs and initiatives to help the County establish diversion programs to provide alternative menthods of holding offenders accountable including pre-diversion program where individuals at higher risk of committing cimes are provided support to potentially avoid invomvement with the justice system . National Flood Insurance Program Support the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program.Support programs and initiatives to reduce the number of properties impacted by flooding in the County each year and that provide for accurate flood zone mapping. Officer Training Support programs that provide ongoing officer training opportunities. Technology & Equipment Support officer safety and operational efficiencies through the implementation and use of innovative equipment and techonologies. 7 NATURAL RESOURCES Forest Management Support legislation and programs that help forest communities address recreation management,water quality,and forest management issues related to public lands,including ways to help mititage and prevent wildfires. Floodplain Management Advocate for programs that appreciate the essential role floodplains hold in the management of our natural resources,including the consideration of floodplains to salmon recovery. Fish Barrier Removal and Salmon Recovery Support funding for fish barrier removal and salmon recovery efforts in County waterways. Shoreline Management Support programs to help expand development and recreation along the Columbia River at Lake Wanapum.