Confluence Technology Center
285 Technology Center Way, Suite 102
Wenatchee, WA 98801
This meeting will be conducted in person and will also be accessible via Zoom. Registration is required to attend virtually. For those unable to attend virtually. Please visit the WSTC website for instruction. For those unable to attend the meeting virtually, please contact the Commission office for assistance at 360-705-7070 or email transc@wstc.wa.gov
Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state by finding the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot: www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/
Meetings are webcast live on TVW
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Commission reserves the right to take action on any item on the agenda, make adjustments to the order of agenda items, and adjust the time of adjournment as needed.
Public Testimony
Those wishing to offer comments can do so during the public comment period either in person or virtually, after registering online. To sign up for virtual comment, using the Q&A box found on-screen during the meeting, indicate your name and that you would like to provide comments. Written comments can also be submitted via email at: transc@wstc.wa.gov.
The Commission welcomes all viewpoints and requests speakers be courteous, respectful, and comply with time limitations as specified by the Commission Chair. Unacceptable behavior, including vulgar and obscene language, threats, and personal attacks, will result in removal from the meeting.
Safety First
If you plan to engage in this meeting from your car, we encourage you to do so while parked.
TOUR
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tour of Local Transportation Facilities
LOCAL MEETING
Item 1: 1:00 p.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 2: 1:15
Local Welcome
Presenters: Mike Poirier, Mayor, City of Wenatchee
Jerrilea Crawford, Mayor, City of East Wenatchee
Shon Smith, Commissioner, Chelan County
Randy Agnew, Commissioner, Douglas County
Item 3: 1:40
Overview of the State Transportation System
Presenters: Reema Griffith, Executive Director, Washington State Transportation Commission
Carl See, Deputy Director, Washington State Transportation Commission
Paula Reeves, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
Aaron Halbert, Financial Analyst, Washington State Transportation Commission
An overview will be provided of the current state transportation system and funding structure.
Transportation Update (pdf 1.5mb)
Item 4: 2:00
Regional Transportation: The Big Picture
Presenter: Jeff Wilkens, Executive Director, Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council
This growing and changing region of the state has unique transportation needs centered on safety and accessibility, enabling development and housing plans, and leveraging economic opportunity. An overview of successes, challenges and current transportation priorities in the region will be provided.
Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council (pdf 4.2mb)
Break: 2:45
Item 5: 3:00
Cities: Transportation Challenges, Successes, and Opportunities
Presenters: Tom Wachholder, Public Works Director, City of Wenatchee
Jake Lewing, City Engineer, City of Wenatchee
Brian Brett, Fire Chief, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department
Garren Melton, Public Works Director, City of East Wenatchee
The challenges, successes, and opportunities along with agency partnerships shaping the future of transportation throughout the Wenatchee area will be discussed. One of the focuses will be on resilience in the face of wildfire threats.
Completing the Apple Capital Loop (pdf 4mb)
Retrofitting City Streets in Wenatchee (pdf 1.3mb)
Item 6: 4:00
Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority Update
Presenter: Jim Kuntz, Executive Director, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority
An update will be provided on current port efforts, highlighting the importance of transportation connections, including air travel and operations in the region.
Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority (pdf 5.7mb)
Item 7: 4:30
Counties: Transportation Challenges, Successes and Opportunities
Presenters: Eric Pierson, Public Works Director and County Engineer, Chelan County
Aaron Simmons, County Engineer, Douglas County
An overview of the key transportation challenges, successes, and opportunities in Chelan and Douglas counties will be shared, along with an update on major projects in the region, including the Apple Capital Loop.
Chelan-Douglas County Transportation Needs (pdf 717kb)
Recess: 5:00
6:00 p.m. – Commission Dinner
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – Reconvene Day 2
Item 8: 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Presenter: Debbie Young, Chair, Washington State Transportation Commission
Item 9: 9:05
Commission Business
- Meeting Summaries: July and August Public Hearing
- Annual Report Schedule & Themes
- 2026 Meeting Schedule
Item 10: 9:30
Naming the I-90 Vantage Bridge the “Medal of Honor Bridge” – ACTION
Presenter: Rep. Tom Dent, 13th District, Washington State House of Representatives
The 2025 Legislature passed House Joint Memorial 4002 requesting the Transportation Commission name the Interstate 90 bridge over the Columbia River near Vantage, Washington, the “Medal of Honor Bridge” in recognition of the service and sacrifice of those who have received this high honor.
Item 11: 9:50
Public Comment
Public comment is limited to three minutes per speaker.
- To comment in person, please place your name on the sign-up in the meeting room.
- To sign up for virtual public comment, please put your name and interest in the Q&A box found on screen during the meeting.
The Commission welcomes all viewpoints and requests speakers be courteous, respectful, and comply with time limitations as specified by the Commission Chair.
Item 12: 10:00
The Future of Transit Services in the Region
Presenters: Nick Covey, Chief Executive Officer, Link Transit
Don Billen, Planning Manager, Link Transit
Link Transit coordinates with the Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council and other local jurisdictions to integrate public transportation into the regional transportation system as a full mobility partner. This presentation will provide an overview of Link Transit services as well as an update on plans and projects.
Link Transit (pdf 6mb)
Item 13: 10:40
Economic Development in the Wenatchee Area
Presenters: Steven J. Wilkinson, Executive Director, Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce
Rosa Polido, Executive Director, Wenatchee Downtown Association
Stacie de Mestre, Director of Economic Development and Capital Projects, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority
Ron Cridlebaugh, Economic Services Director, Chelan County
Soo Ing-Moody, Economic Development Director, Douglas County
Perspectives guiding economic development throughout the Wenatchee area will be shared, highlighting the role and impact transportation has in supporting agriculture, business, growing the economy, and supporting new housing growth in the area.
Douglas County Economic Development (pdf 1mb)
Item 14: 11:45
Washington State Department of Transportation Regional Overview
Presenter: Chris Keifenheim, Regional Administrator, North Central Region, Washington State Department of Transportation
An overview will be provided of WSDOT’s North Central Region, including planned and active projects and maintenance and preservation in the area.
North Central Region Overview (pdf 1.6mb)
Item 15: 12:15 p.m.
Tribal Transportation Overview
Presenter: Richard Palmer Sr., Director, Department of Transportation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation
The 12 bands of Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation will discuss recent transportation successes, opportunities, and priorities.
Colville Confederated Tribes Department of Transportation (pdf 434kb)
Item 16: 12:45
Commission Business
- Commission Reflections and Reports
Adjourn: 1:00
Next Meeting: In-Person
October 14 & 15, 2025
Olympia, WA
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information: Individuals requiring reasonable accommodations may request written materials in alternate formats, sign language interpreters, physical accessibility accommodations, or other reasonable accommodations by contacting the Commission Office at (360) 705-7070 or TransC@wstc.wa.gov. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may contact the event sponsor through the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1.
Title VI Notice to Public: It is the Washington State Transportation Commission’s (WSTC) policy to assure that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its programs and activities. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO). For additional information regarding Title VI complaint procedures and/or information regarding our non-discrimination obligations, please contact OEO’s Title VI Coordinator 360-705-7090.