Updated: Fri., Jan. 11
The supplemental state transportation budget (ESHB 2190 Sec.213(4)), approved by the legislature in March, 2012 requires the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to transfer ownership of the Apple Capitol Loop Trail (ACLT) that is within the City of East Wenatchee and Douglas County, to them. The ACLT between the pipeline/pedestrian bridge and 19th Street will be transferred to the City of East Wenatchee and the portion of the trail from the Odabashian Bridge to 19th Street will be transferred to Douglas County.
The transfer to the City of East Wenatchee totals approximately 27 acres. Approximately 54 acres will be transferred to Douglas County. WSDOT will retain about 17 acres for current and future storm water treatment areas needed for future phases of the Eastside Corridor construction planned on Sunset Highway (SR 28), leaving about 75 acres to eventually be declared surplus and sold.
WSDOT is finalizing the legal descriptions for the trail, trail heads and parking areas and is also working to establish easements at various locations for irrigation lines, storm water pipes, utilities and any other necessary current and future accesses, prior to the transfer. The formal transfer of the trail is expected to be complete in April.
When the transfer is complete and more funding needed to pay for the legal and leg work secured, the process required to sell the remaining surplus property will begin.
The following is the text of the Supplemental Transportation Budget Proviso (ESHB 2190 Sec. 213(4) as passed by the legislature and signed into law by the Governor on March 23, 2012:
(4) The legislature recognizes that the trail known as the Apple Capital Loop, and its extensions, serve to separate motor vehicle traffic from pedestrians and bicyclists, increasing motor vehicle safety on existing state route number 28. Consistent with chapter 47.30 RCW and pursuant to RCW 47.12.080, the legislature declares that transferring portions of WSDOT Inventory Control (IC) Nos. 2-09-04537 and 2-09-04569 to Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee is consistent with the public interest. The legislature directs the department to transfer the property to Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee. The department must be paid fair market value for any portions of the transferred real property that is later abandoned, vacated, or ceases to be publicly maintained for trail purposes. Douglas county and the city of East Wenatchee must agree to accept responsibility for trail segments within their respective jurisdictions and sign an agreement with the state that the transfer of these parcels to their respective jurisdictions extinguishes any state obligations to improve, maintain, or be in any way responsible for these assets. The department shall report to the transportation committees of the legislature by June 30, 2013, and annually thereafter, on the status of the transfer until complete.
Map exhibits for each of the trail segments are available using the links in the left column. These exhibits include trail improvements Douglas County is constructing this year and other trail modifications under consideration.
Here is the link to the entire supplemental transportation budget:
2012 Supplemental Budget As Passed Legislature (ESHB 2190).pdf (478KB)