Port carries forward boat launch grant as city aims for repairs before spring flows

CASHMERE – Funding for repairs to Cashmere’s boat launch will remain available after the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority voted Nov. 10 to carry the city’s grant forward, preserving support for work officials hope to complete before spring river flows.

The project has been delayed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permitting process. City officials remain hopeful that the work, which has been in the pipeline for months, can proceed in time to improve access before higher water arrives.

Director of Operations Steve Croci discussed the delay during the Cashmere City Council’s Nov. 9 meeting, when Port CEO Jim Kuntz visited to provide updates on projects affecting the city.

“Army Corps, we could not get a permit from them in a timely manner, so we were unable to do any of the work,” Croci said.

The city hopes to move rocks obstructing the launch and make it more usable.

“Hopefully before the spring flows come, we can get in there and push the rocks out, at least get it functioning better, that’s the goal,” Croci said.

Kuntz told the council that the Port would consider carrying the grant forward at its meeting the following day. Commissioners subsequently approved that action.

The funding comes through the Port’s Partners in Economic Development program. Kuntz credited Commissioner JC Baldwin with advocating for the city’s boat launch project.

The carryover keeps the grant available while Cashmere works through the remaining permitting process. A construction date has not been announced.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media