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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution_2026SmallCapitalAgmt_ChamberofCommerce_ThorpKITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AGENDA STAFF REPORT AGENDA DATE: November 3, 2026 ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution for the 2026 Small Capital Projects Program - Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce for the Thorp Future Recreation Campus Site Preparation to Advance Countywide Economic Development Project BACKGROUND: At the September 16, 2026, regularly scheduled meeting, the Conference of Governments discussed project applications competing for $250,000.00 in the Public Facilities Fund identified for Small Capital Projects. Two (2) projects were awarded funding with one (1) project for Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce receiving funding. This Funding Agreement is for the Thorp Future Recreation Campus Site Preparation to Advance Countywide Economic Development Project in the amount of $33,733.00. INTERACTION: These projects were approved for funding agreements under Resolution 2026-171, and this is the final step in awarding funds. This funding became available on January 1, 2026. Funding for this project will be from the distressed county sales and use (0.09) tax. Public Works; Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce RECOMMENDATION: Approve and Sign the Resolution and the 2026 Small Capital Projects Program - Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. HANDLING: Return one (1) original to Public Works ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; 2026 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement LEAD STAFF: Josh Fredrickson, Director of Public Works BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COUNTY OF KITTITAS STATE OF WASHINGTON RESOLUTION NO: 2026- APPROVING THE 2026 SMALL CAPITAL PROJECTS PROGRAM DISTRESSED COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT WITH KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE THORP FUTURE RECREATION CAMPUS SITE PREPARATION TO ADVANCE COUNTYWIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WHEREAS: The 1999 Legislature did pass RCW 82.14.370 Sales and Use Tax for Public Facilities in rural counties; and WHEREAS: These funds may only be used to finance public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties and finance personnel in economic development offices in the State of Washington; and WHEREAS: The 2026 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce has been executed by said entity with funding available January 1, 2026; and NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners hereby approves the attached 2026 Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Agreement with Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. ADOPTED this 3rd day of November 2026. Attest: ❑ Clerk of the Board- Julie Kjorsvik BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON Brett Wachsmith, Chairman Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chairman ❑ Deputy Clerk of the Board- Mandy Buchholz Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner 2026 DISTRESSED COUNTY SALES AND USE TAX INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGREEMENT BETWEEN KITTITAS COUNTY AND KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE This Contract, dated ! Dt d a , 2026 is made and entered into by and between KITTITAS COUNTY ("County"), a subdivision of the State of Washington, and KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ("Funding Recipient"). WHEREAS, the purpose of this Agreement is to provide for public facility construction and foster economic development opportunities within Kittitas County; NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the terms and conditions contained herein, or attached and incorporated and made a part hereof, the County and the Funding Recipient mutually agree as follows: Section 1. Scope of Work. a. Funding Recipient shall provide the services and staff described in its Application for Funds - 2026 Small Capital Grant Application for Thorp Future Recreation Campus Site Preparation to Advance Countywide Economic Development submitted to the Council of Governments, as Exhibit "A" which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. b. Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement, Funding Recipient shall furnish the following as required to perform the services, described in Paragraph (a) above, in accordance with this Agreement: Personnel, labor and supervision; technical, professional, and other services. All such services, property and other items furnished or required to be furnished, together with all other obligations performed, or required to be performed, by Funding Recipient under this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as "Services." Section 2. Payment. a. As full compensation for satisfactory performance of the Funding Recipient Services, the County agrees to pay Funding Recipient the sum of thirty seven thousand and seven hundred and thirty three dollars ($37,733.00). b. Additional payment terms: The County will make payment to the Funding Recipient only on a reimbursement basis, as receipts for any items including marketing and/or advertising are submitted to the County. c. Requests for reimbursements must be submitted to: Kittitas County Public Works Attn: Joyce White 411 North Ruby, Suite 1 Ellensburg, WA 98926 I oyce.wh ite{cDco. kittitas.wa . us Distressed County Sales and Use Tax infrastructure improvement Program Funding Agreement 1 d. Timely and accurate financial reporting is required for fund management by Kittitas County Department of Public Works. Financial reporting requirements for all grant awards are listed below: 1. Using Kittitas County Department of Public Works reporting forms, applicants will submit project status reporting forms within fourteen (14) calendar days from the end of the reporting quarter as specified below: • Quarter 1 ending date: March 315t • Quarter 2 ending date: June 30th • Quarter 3 ending date: September 301 • Quarter 4 ending date: December 315t Recipients may submit reimbursement requests on a monthly basis on Kittitas County Department of Public Works reporting forms. 2. Grant recipients who fail in meeting required reporting requirements are subject to having funding withheld on the fifteenth (16th) day following the end of the reporting uarter. Failure in submitting the required project status reports (two consecutive reporting cycles) may result in award cancellation upon COG review. 3. Financial reporting forms shall be signed by the identified grant official or designee. Section 3 Performance by Funding Recipient. a. Funding Recipient shall not (by contract, operation of law or otherwise) delegate or subcontract performance of any Services to any other person or entity without the prior written consent of the County. Any such delegation or subcontracting without the County's prior written consent shall be voidable at the County's option. b. Funding Recipient shall at all times be an independent Funding Recipient and not an agent or representative of the County with regard to performing the Services. Funding Recipient shall not represent that it is, or hold itself out as, an agent or representative of the County. In no event shall Funding Recipient be authorized to enter into any Agreement or undertaking for or on behalf of the County. It is understood that the Funding Recipient and the Funding Recipient's staff and employees are not employees of the County and are not, therefore, entitled to any benefits provided employees of the County. c. Funding Recipient shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, orders, licenses, permits, and other requirements, now or hereafter in effect, of any governmental authority (including, but not limited to, such requirements as may be imposed upon the County and applicable to Services). Funding Recipient shall furnish such documents as may be required to effect or evidence such compliance. All laws, ordinances, rules, and orders required to be incorporated into agreements of this character are incorporated into this Agreement by this reference. Funding Recipient agrees to obtain all required licenses and permits, and further agrees to keep them in full force and effect during the term of this Agreement. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement 2 d. The County and the Funding Recipient agree that in fulfilling the terms and conditions of this Agreement neither shall discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or the presence of a physical, sensory, or mental handicap. e. The Services shall at all times be subject to inspection by and approval of the County, but the County's making (or failure or delay in making) such inspection or approval shall not relieve Funding Recipient of its responsibility to perform the Services in accord with this Agreement, notwithstanding the County's knowledge of defective or non -complying performance, or the substantiality or ease of discovering the same. Funding Recipient shall provide the County with sufficient, safe, and proper facilities and equipment for such inspection and free access to such facilities. This contract is subject to review by any Federal or State auditor. Funding Recipient shall promptly furnish the County or its designee, or such Federal or State auditor with such information related to the Services as may be requested by the applicable governmental entity. Funding Recipient shall preserve and maintain all financial records and records relating to performance of Services under this Agreement for six (6) years after contract termination. For such duration after the County makes final payment of compensation due hereunder, Funding Recipient shall provide the County access to (and the County shall have the right to examine, audit and copy, with or without notice) all of Funding Recipient's books, documents, papers and records related to the Services or this Agreement. g. Funding Recipient understands and acknowledges that Funding Recipient is solely responsible for its own reporting and accounting of all state, federal, social security, and local taxes, of every nature, arising from Funding Recipient's performance of this Agreement. All compensation received by the Funding Recipient will be reported to the Internal Revenue Service at the end of the calendar year in accord with the applicable IRS regulations. The Funding Recipient shall obligate funding towards construction of the project no later than six months from the time of grant execution (providing the grantee has not submitted the project as being "banked" — COG Policy 2018-05). Obligation is expected to take two forms: consultant contracting or contractor award. Presuming the COG recommends a design only phase of a proposed Public Facility grant, obligation requirements are met on the date of grantee signature on consultant design contract(s). COG recommended construction awards will complete obligation requirements on the date of Funding Recipient signature on construction contracts. Failure in obligating grant awards within the prescribed timeframe results in the grant award being remanded back to COG for recommended re -purposing by the Board of County Commissioners. i. The Funding Recipient is obligated to follow Public Facility Fund COG policies in effect at the time of grant award as reflected in the Resolution signature date authorizing recipient contracting. COG policies may be obtained from the Department of Public Works (509) 962-7523. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program funding Agreement 3 Section 4. Release Indemnity, and Hold Harmless. The County assumes no liability for the Funding Recipient's actions under this Agreement. Funding Recipient releases and shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the County, its officers and employees, agents, representatives, attorneys and/or volunteers, from and against all claims, costs, liabilities, damages, and expenses, (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorney fees) which arise or may arise or be alleged to arise out of or by reason of this Agreement including: • Any fault, negligence, strict liability or product liability of Funding Recipient in connection with the Services for this Agreement; • Any lien asserted upon any property of the County in connection with the Services for this Agreement; • Any failure of Funding Recipient, or of the Services, to comply with any applicable law, ordinance, rule, regulation, order, license, permit and other requirement, now or hereafter in effect, of any governmental authority; or • Any breach of or default under this Agreement by Funding Recipient. Section 5. Compliance with Public Records Law. a. In compliance with Washington's public records law, the County will retain copies of any documents associated with this Agreement, which may be required by law unless legally exempt from such retention, for any applicable legally required retention period. b. In the event a public records request is made to the County for documents created in relation to this Agreement, should legal uncertainty arise regarding the disclosability of any documents under federal or state public records laws, the County shall provide notice to Funding Recipient pursuant to Washington's public records act, chapter 42.56 RCW, to allow Funding Recipient to seek a court injunction. c. The County specifically shall not be liable to Funding Recipient for the County's release under public records laws of any documents not protected by trademark, copyright or other law. Section 6. Industrial Insurance Waiver. With respect to performance of this Agreement and as to any claims against the County, its Additional Insureds, officers, agents and employees, the Funding Recipient expressly waives its immunity under Title 51 of the Revised Code of Washington, the Industrial Insurance Act, for injuries to Funding Recipient's employees and agrees that the obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless provided in this Agreement extend to any claim brought by or on behalf of any employee of the Funding Recipient. This waiver is mutually negotiated by the parties to this Agreement. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement 4 Section 7. Insurance and Endorsements. a. The County may require through a request in writing that the Funding Recipient provide the County with a certificate, binder, or policy of liability insurance, acceptable to the County in an amount specified by the County. b. Such liability insurance shall be such as will protect Funding Recipient, its employees, agents and representatives, from all claims, losses, harm, costs, liabilities, damages and expenses arising out of personal injury (including death) or property damage that may result from performance of the Services or this Agreement, whether such performance is by Funding Recipient or any of its employees, agents or representatives. c. Should the County require such liability insurance, the Funding Recipient agrees to provide proof of insurance prior to commencing performance of this Agreement. d. Copies of the County's written request and the insurance documents provided by Funding Recipient shall be attached to this Agreement and by this reference will be made part hereof. e. Where insurance is requested by the County, all liability insurance policies shall be endorsed to include the County as an Additional Insured and shall stipulate that the insurance afforded by the policies shall be primary insurance, and that any insurance, self -insured retention, deductibles, or risk retention trusts maintained or participated in by the Parties shall be excess and not contributory to any other insurance maintained by the County. Funding Recipient shall furnish the County a certificate of insurance with Endorsement as evidence that the required policies are in full force and effect. Section 8. Termination. The County may, by written notice thereof to Funding Recipient, terminate this Agreement as to all or any portion of the Services not yet performed, whether or not Funding Recipient is in breach or default. Upon receiving such notice of termination, Funding Recipient shall, except as otherwise directed by the County, immediately stop performing the Services to the extent specified in the notice. In the event the County terminates the Funding Recipient's Services, the Funding Recipient is obligated and hereby agrees to refund to the County all monies paid for Services not yet rendered by the Funding Recipient, if any, as of the date of the notice of termination. Section 9. Miscellaneous. a. Funding Recipient shall not (by contract, operation of law or otherwise) assign this Agreement or any right or interest in this Agreement without the County's prior written consent. b. This Agreement embodies the entire Agreement between the County and Funding Recipient, and supersedes any and all prior oral or written communications, proposals, conditions, promises, representations, or understandings regarding the Services. No change, amendment or modification of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement 5 unless set forth in a written amendment to the Agreement signed by both parties. c. Notice for any purpose under this Agreement, except service of process, shall be given by the Funding Recipient to the Kittitas County Commissioners and the Kittitas County Public Works Director, 411 North Ruby, Suite 1, Ellensburg, WA 98926. For all purposes under this Agreement, any notice by the County to the Funding Recipient shall be given to the Funding Recipient's address provided on the signature page. Notice may be given by delivery or by depositing in the U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested. d. The section and paragraph headings of this Agreement are for reference convenience only and are not intended to restrict, affect or be of any weight in interpreting or construing the provisions of such sections or paragraphs. e. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and by facsimile, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. Funding Recipient warrants to the County that the individual signing on Funding Recipient's behalf has the requisite power and authority to enter into and to perform Funding Recipient's obligations under this Agreement. Funding Recipient further warrants to the County that Funding Recipient has made no misrepresentation or misleading statement in connection with this Agreement, and is not in violation of any applicable law, ordinance, or regulation the consequence of which will or may materially affect Funding Recipient's ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. g. if any term or condition of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person(s) or circumstances is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other terms, conditions or applications which can be given effect without the invalid term, condition or application. To this end, the terms and conditions of this Agreement are declared severable. h. The exclusive venue for any action brought to enforce this Agreement or any of its terms shall be in Kittitas County, State of Washington. Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement 6 KITTITAS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Brett Wachsmith, Chair Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chair Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner Dated: Attest: ❑ Clerk of the Board- Julie Kjorsvik ❑ Deputy Clerk of the Board- Mandy Buchholz APPROVED AS TO FORM: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney KITTITAS COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CEO Representative bb R N MAA+l 6t• 4 leh5,burjl` ggga(2 Address (ix)j)gd5-aowa ex+�� Telephone a w► v1 ��IC4Masco uyii (ckaYKk coon Email Dated: Distressed County Sales and Use Tax Infrastructure Improvement Program Funding Agreement 7 This application seeks funding under RCW 82.14.370 to support public infrastructure projects in Kittitas County that serve economic development purposes. Eligible projects must meet the following criteria: • Deliver an immediate impact by enabling the construction, repair, or enhancement of critical economic development infrastructure. Planning, feasibility studies, or designs for larger projects may be considered. • Be one-time capital investments, though phased funding for larger projects with a defined end state will be evaluated. • Fund capital projects only; operational or service -based requests are ineligible. • Be sponsored by a Kittitas County municipality, with potential benefits extending to districts or nonprofits. • Matching funds (cash or assets) secured or provided by the applicant, are strongly encouraged. • Demonstrate a connection to the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP). All applications will be reviewed and recommended by the Kittitas County Conference of Governments (COG), with final approval granted by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). �•. p l 1 • ��= Ir. 1 - . m • 1 Project Title: Thorp Future Recreation Campus Site Preparation to Advance Countywide Economic Development Total Request Amount: $37,733 Applicant Name/Organization: Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Contact Person: Amy McGuffin Phone: (509) 925-2002 Email: amy@kittitascountychamber.com Mailing Address: 609 N Main St, Ellensburg, WA 98926 !l. Project Overview 1. Project Description: Provide a detailed description of the infrastructure project, including its purpose, scope, location, and anticipated economic development impact. Explain how the project aligns with the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP). Include visuals, plans, or supporting materials if available. This project, Thorp Future Recreation Campus Site Preparation to Advance Countywide Economic Development, involves prerequisite site -prep work on two Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce owned parcels, parcel 266333 and 126333, that are being readied for a future recreational campus. Site -prep work includes hazard tree and restoration of water service to an existing restroom. Hazard tree removal scope on parcel 266333 includes taking down one dead and 4 broken white poplar trees, removing large leaning white poplar trees, and topping 8 large leaning or dead white poplar trees down to approximately 40 feet in height. All work includes stump retention, full site cleanup, and complete removal of wood, brush, and debris. The restroom component addresses a standalone facility on parcel 126333 whose water service was previously shut off due to limited use and water intrusion observed around the vault valves. Restoration activities will include working closely with the Kittitas County Public Works and the Thorp Water District #4 when inspecting lines and connections for leaks, possible fixture cleaning and/or replacement and to verify functionality before returning it to public use. The Chamber has received contractor estimates for the two components of prerequisite site -prep work. The project features foundational capital -readiness work, not a standalone amenity. It removes the two barriers — safety hazards and non-functional restroom infrastructure — currently preventing public recreational use of the site. Completing it makes the parcel safe and sanitation -ready for visitor use, positioning it to draw outside recreational spending into the county and qualify for further recreation -related investment. The project is alignment with the 2023 KCEDSP, developed with TIP Strategies, which is centered on collaboration, economic resilience, and balanced growth to diversify the county's job base and manage growth pressure. The county's 2021 Recreation and Tourism Plan operationalizes this by treating recreation/tourism infrastructure as an economic development objective, since it draws outside spending into the county, and names "Resource Parks and Special Purpose Facilities" as one of three implementation areas the Board of County Commissioners directly funds. This project is the physical groundwork needed to bring a Chamber -owned site up to a standard consistent with that plan. 2. Economic Benefit: Describe how the project will foster economic development in the community and/or Kittitas County. Include specific details on its potential to attract or retain businesses, create jobs, and enhance the municipality's appeal to investors. The project will foster economic development by transforming an underutilized, overgrown parcel into a development -ready asset capable of supporting recreation, tourism, and future commercial opportunities. Site preparation activities is a first step to eliminating key barriers to investment. A site with potential hazards, in this case trees, and underutilized utilities, an existing but non- functioning public restroom, is significantly less attractive to prospective businesses, event operators, food vendors, outfitters, and tourism -related enterprises than an undeveloped property where upfront investment is underway. By shortening the timeline from acquisition to occupancy, the project enhances Kittitas County's competitiveness for attracting private investment, positions the site for future grant and infrastructure funding opportunities, and increases the appeal to investors seeking development -ready locations with reduced risk. The project will also generate both immediate and long-term economic benefits. In the near term, site preparation work will create business opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and skilled trades performing tree removal, and utility work. Over the longer term, the improved property will support expanded recreational use, community events, and increased visitor activity, driving demand for lodging, restaurants, retail businesses, and outdoor recreation services throughout Kittitas County. The visible investment in public infrastructure demonstrates the community's commitment to strategic economic development and public -private partnership, reducing perceived investment risk and increasing confidence among developers and entrepreneurs. By converting a concept on paper into a site ready for development and use, the project lays the foundation for future business attraction, job creation, private investment, and sustained economic growth across the community and Kittitas County. 3. Stakeholders: Identify all stakeholders supporting and/or benefiting from the project, including municipalities, districts, nonprofits, or private entities. A range of stakeholders stand to support and benefit from this project. The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, as the property owner, is the direct beneficiary, gaining a converted, functional recreational asset from a previously underused parcel, consistent with its broader nonprofit mission of countywide economic development and tourism promotion. Kittitas County, through the Board of County Commissioners, benefits from advancing both the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP) and the county's Recreation and Tourism Plan, the latter of which explicitly identifies Resource Parks and Special Purpose Facilities as a funding priority, along with the broader economic gains of increased visitor spending and recreational tax base growth. The Kittitas County Conference of Governments (KC COG), as administrator of the Distressed Sales & Use Tax (RCW 82.14.370) Small Capital Grant Program, has a direct interest in the project's success as a demonstration of the fund's economic development impact; more broadly, KC COG's member municipalities stand to benefit from the future property and sales tax revenue generated as increased visitor traffic and new or expanded recreation -related businesses take root around the site, growing the tax base that funds shared infrastructure and services across the county. The municipal sponsor is the City of Roslyn. Roslyn already anchors a mature outdoor recreation economy with sixty-one mapped trails (58 for mountain biking), direct access to the 110-mile Palouse to Cascades Trait, and local businesses and outfitters built entirely around outdoor tourism. Cyclists and riders traveling this same Cle Elum-Roslyn-Thorp- Ellensburg corridor are the exact user base a future Thorp recreational campus would serve, so the site would extend Roslyn's existing trait network and visitor draw rather than compete with it —giving Roslyn a direct stake in supporting the project. At the local level, current and future Thorp community residents and businesses stand to benefit from increased visitor traffic, expanded local recreational access, and secondary economic activity such as fuel, food, lodging, and retail spending generated by a functioning recreational site in their immediate area. More broadly, regional tourism and outdoor recreation stakeholders benefit from expanded, safe recreational infrastructure in the county. On the private -sector side, the tree removal and plumbing/water service contractors providing professional services for this project are direct participants supporting local trade employment. Looking beyond initial site -prep work, future recreational contractors and businesses stand to benefit as well: site preparation work positions the propertyfor grants, such as the Washington State's Recreation and Conservation Off ice's Recreational Planning grant which the applicant has applied for, and ultimately to attract private -sector investment and partnership opportunities, including recreational equipment vendors, outfitters, concessionaires, event operators, or trail and facility maintenance contractors who could operate on or in coordination with the site. These future private -sector relationships represent a longer -term economic development benefit consistent with the KCEDSP's goal of diversifying the county's job base, as a functional recreational campus creates the conditions for sustained private investment and small business activity well beyond the initial capital improvement. 4. Indicate if the project is consistent with the following applicable State, Regional and Local plans and priority processes (select one): o Capital Facilities Plan - Officially adopted June 16, 2026 o Comprehensive Plan - Officially adopted June 16, 2026 o Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy- Officially adopted January 19, 2016 o Economic Development -Officially adopted Comp plan chapter June 16, 2026 o Economic Development Strategic Plan - Officially adopted April 18, 2023 5. Indicate which category applies to this project (select one): o Public Facilities o Economic Development Office o Qualifying Provider o Affordable Workforce Housing Infrastructure or Facilities 6. indicate the estimated number of businesses created/retained by the project (Enter as a number, not as a percentage): 3 7. Indicate the estimated number of jobs created/retained by the project (Enter as a number, not as a percentage): 7 Ill. Budget and Funding: Provide a detailed project budget, including the total cost and a breakdown of expenses by phase and/or major category. Specify which portions or phases the grant will support. Land acquisition was completed in 2025, when the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce purchased 20 acres of land currently valued at $1.5 million, or $75,000 per acre. Pre - development site preparation costs are as follows: Cost category Description Cost Contracted services Water reconnection $17,430 Hazard tree $16,873 Staff/administrative Contract, grant management $3,430 GRANT REQUEST 1 $37,733 1. Funding Sources: List all additional funding sources (e.g., grants, private partnerships, in -kind contributions) and their current status (e.g., secured, pending, or proposed). Funding source status _ - Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Capital -Distressed Sales & Use Tax Grant 2026 RCO PRA Secured. 20 acres of land valued at $75,000/acre or $1.5 million - nding, grant request $37,733 Pe uest $170,000 2.Operations & Maintenance: Outline the plan for ongoing maintenance and operational f unding to ensure the infrastructure's long-term sustainability. A comprehensive operations and maintenance program that identifies recurring costs and establishes sustainable funding mechanisms will support the project's on -going success. Annual maintenance activities will include such scheduled activities like grounds maintenance (mowing, weed and erosion control, and landscaping), restroom cleaning and maintenance, and septic and water system servicing. In addition, the Kittitas County Chamber will explore establishing a capital reserve to fund future replacement of major infrastructure components, such as restroom fixtures, roofing, plumbing, and septic system improvements, ensuring that deferred maintenance does not compromise the facility's long-term functionality. The landowner, the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, will look toward area visitor and tourism partnerships, the Conference of Governments and their participating cities/towns, grants, volunteers, sponsorships and the like to create a diversified financing strategy rather than relying on a single revenue source. An annual budget and performance review will evaluate maintenance costs, funding adequacy, facility usage, and capital reserve needs, allowing adjustments to funding levels or maintenance schedules to ensure the infrastructure remains safe, well -maintained, and financially sustainable over its useful life. IV. Project Timeline: Submit a comprehensive timeline detailing the project's current status and key milestones, from initiation through completion. Total duration: -6 weeks (October 1- November 13, 2026) Phase Task _ _- Dates ,Grant award notification and funding IProject Initiation Oct 1-7, 2026 agreement execution Contractor scope confirmation and Oct 1-7, 2026 scheduling coordination I;Sit through with contractors (access, Oct 1-7, 2026 staging, locate needs) Phase Task Submit utility locate request Dates Utility Locates & FOCI 1-7, 2026 Permitting Confirm required permits for tree removal _. Oct 7-14, 2026 and utility work Locate completed, cleared to begin work By Oct 14, 2026 �— Hazard Tree Mitigation Mobilize tree removal contractor and Oct 15, 2026 equipment Remove 1 dead + 4 broken poplar trees, Oct 15-17, 2026 Remove 3 leaning poplar trees Top 8 Leaning/dead poplar trees to -40 ft Oct 19-21, 2026 Oct 22-26, 2026 �— --� Site cleanup: chip/haulwood, brush, debris Oct 26-28, 2026 �— Final walk-through confirming hazard tree Oct 28, 2026 mitigation complete Oct 19-21, 2026 Water Service Confirm water source; inspect main and Restoration building shutoff valves Inspect fixtures, supply lines, connections Oct 22-2812026 for leaks Procure replacement valves/fittings as needed iOct 29-30, 2026 I Replace waterline valve with curb stop Tie in the male and female bathroom to waterline JOct 30-Nov 2, 2026 ENov2-3,2026 Functional verification of waterline from vault to bathroom Nov 3-4, 20276�] Final Inspection & FF�inattenspection confirming both scopes Nov5-6,2026 Closeout omplee Document completed work (photos, Nov 6-10, 2026 invoices, before/after) Submit final project report and closeout documentation to KC COG By Nov 13, 2026 V. Feasibility and Risk Management 1. Feasibility: Assess the project's feasibility, including any completed studies, readiness to begin, and likelihood of completion within the proposed timeline. The project is ready to begin immediately upon award. The project builds upon substantial planning and visioning already completed by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce and regional partners, which identified the site's strategic location near Interstate 90, the Mountains to Sound Greenway, and the historic Thorp Mill as an opportunity to expand recreation, tourism, and economic development. The property is under the ownership and control of the applicant, eliminating land acquisition risks and allowing work to proceed following final permitting and contractor procurement. The scope of work has been intentionally limited to activities that can be completed within a single construction season, reducing schedule and budget risks. The applicant has received contractor estimates, has contacted both the Kittitas County Public Works department and the Thorp Water District #4. Project management will be provided by experienced staff at the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce who have successfully administered local and state grant -funded projects, supported by licensed contractors and utility providers. Because the work is confined to site preparation rather than vertical construction, the project has a high likelihood of being completed on schedule and within budget. Upon completion, the site will have reduced barriers to future public and private investment, positioning the property for subsequent phases of recreation campus development and additional infrastructure funding. 2. Risk Management: Identify potential risks (e.g., delays, budget overruns) and propose mitigation strategies to address them. Potential risks forthis project include schedule delays, budget overruns, and construction or permitting issues associated with tree removal and reconnecting water service to the existing restroom. Delays could result from permitting requirements, discovery of protected trees or critical areas, utility conflicts, septic or plumbing deficiencies, or the need to bring existing facilities into compliance with current building, plumbing, ADA, or public health codes. Additional risks include damage to underground utilities, unstable soils followingtree removal, and higher -than -anticipated contractor costs resulting from difficult site conditions or disposal requirements. These risks wilt be mitigated through proactive planning, early coordination with Kittitas County Public Works and Community Development Services departments, Kittitas County Public Health, and Washington's 811 utility locate service before any work begins. The project will utilize licensed, insured contractors with experience in tree removal and public facility improvements, obtain multiple competitive bids to manage costs, and verify permitting and code requirements before construction. Septic and water systems will be inspected, flushed, disinfected, and tested as appropriate, with backflow prevention and winterization measures incorporated into the final design. Site stabilization, erosion control, and appropriate liability insurance will further reduce project risks, while maintaining contingency funds and realistic scheduling wilt help address unforeseen conditions without significantly affecting the project's budget or timeline. VI. Measurements & Reporting: Describe the metrics and methods you will use to evaluate the project's economic impact post -completion Because this project is a pre -development investment, its economic impact will be evaluated using both readiness metrics and longer -term economic outcomes. Upon completion, the County will document measurable outputs including acres of land prepared for development, hazard trees removed, restoration of water service and restroom facilities, completion of site improvements, and confirmation that the property is development-readyfor future recreation infrastructure. Additional metrics will include reductions in anticipated site preparation costs and development timelines for future phases, successful completion of permitting requirements, and the property's increased competitiveness for state, federal, and private funding opportunities. These indicators will demonstrate that the project has removed key barriers to future investment and positioned the site for redevelopment. Long-term economic impacts will be measured through the implementation of the future recreation campus and its effect on the local economy. Performance measures will include the amount of additional public and private investment leveraged, grants secured for subsequent development phases, construction and permanent jobs created, new businesses or vendors operating at the site, visitor attendance, tourism -related spending, and increases in local lodging, retail, and restaurant activity associated with recreation use. The County wilt track these metrics through grant reporting, contractor and business surveys, visitor counts, event participation records, and local economic and tourism data. Annual evaluations will compare outcomes against project objectives and guide future investment decisions, ensuring the site continues to advance economic development, recreation access, and community vitality in Thorp and throughout Kittitas County. VI1. Scoring: Applications will be scored in accordance with the following criteria: a Points Economic Development impact: Demonstrates a clear, immediate, 20 ind measurable contribution to economic growth, such as attracting iew, businesses, retaining existing ones, creating jobs, or enhancing he municipality's appeal to Criteria Points Economic Strategic Plan Alignment: This criterion is met by showing a 10 direct or indirect connection to the Kittitas County Economic Development Strategic Plan (KCEDSP). An applicant might reference specific KCEDSP goals (e.g., position the County for targeted real estate development) and explain how the project supports those objectives. Feasibility: An application satisfies this by providing evidence of 20 readiness, such as completed feasibility studies, secured permits, or a detailed timeline for completion. Collaboration: This is achieved by identifying multiple stakeholders 15 (e.g., municipalities, districts, or nonprofits) actively supporting and/or benefiting from the project. Sustainability: An application meets this criterion with a robust plan for 25 long-term maintenance and operational funding. Matching Funds: This is fulfilled by securing or committing cash or in- 10 kind contributions from the applicant or partners. TOTAL 100 Vill. Applicant Certification (Must be completed for application to be accepted) I certify that the information provided in this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I confirm my understanding of the eligibility requirements under RCW 82.14.370 and affirm that this project complies with these standards. Name: Amy McGuffin Title: Pre iden CEO Date: -71:2.2 01 DZ.b Signature �6� , CF— 0 Submission Instructions Applications must be submitted by [July 31 st 2026] to: Kittitas County Public Works 411 N. Ruby, Suite #1 Ellensburg, WA 98926 Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.