Lake Chelan Port Public Access Protection
Lake Chelan Port Public Access Protection - Chelan, WA - 285 Technology Center Way, Suite 202 Wenatchee, WA 98801
Amount Requested: $8,000,000
The funding would be used for the purchase of waterfront property and an existing dock facility within the City of Chelan to preserve and expand public access to Lake Chelan and ensure continued transportation access to the remote community of Stehekin. Stehekin, located at the head of Lake Chelan and accessible only by boat, seaplane, or hiking trail, has no road access to the regional highway system. The community relies on barge service for essential supplies. This project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because public access to Stehekin could be jeopardized if the existing dock is purchased by private developers. Secure, reliable access to this community is essential for emergency response and disaster recovery, especially following recent severe wildfires and flooding in the region. This project would additionally preserve waterfront land for public use and protect recreation resources that serve visitors, ultimately bolstering the local economy, preserving federal land access, and improving disaster resilience and public safety.
Federal nexus: 46 USC 54301