What They Are Saying: Rep. Schrier's Announcement That Wenatchee Will Receive $92 Million INFRA Grant for Apple Capital Loop

WASHINGTON, July 1 -- Rep. Kim Schrier, D-Washington, issued the following news release:

Late last week, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded a $92 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant for the Apple Capital Loop Project.

"I am thrilled that this grant has been awarded for the highest priority infrastructure project in the Wenatchee Valley," said Rep. Schrier. "Since I took office, I have been working with local stakeholders to make the case to the Department of Transportation about why this project is so critical. The $92 million award is the largest INFRA grant awarded this year, and this is one of just a handful of projects selected nationwide for funding. These dollars will go a long way in moving this project forward to improve safety, decrease emergency response times, and connect our communities. I was proud to go to bat and deliver for the people in the district. I cannot overstate how much of an impact this project will have on the Wenatchee Valley and the 8th district! I'm just so excited."

In March Congresswoman Schrier sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg asking for the project to be approved. Early on in her first term, she met with community leaders to tour the project area and learn about the critical need for this funding, and then immediately made this one of her top priorities as a new Member of Congress. Rep. Schrier also made multiple calls to high-level USDOT officials personally making the case for the project. Her staff was in frequent communication with local officials as they crafted the application, advising throughout the process.

The City of Wenatchee will be awarded $92,412,004 to construct a network of projects on an 11-mile loop, including intersection improvements to SR 285/North Wenatchee Avenue, construction of a railroad underpass on McKittrick Street, and replacement of a signalized intersection with a roundabout at US 2/Easy Street. It will also create an approximately 2.5-mile bypass of SR 285, replace an at-grade intersection with a half-diamond grade-separated interchange, and widen a segment of SR 28.

Read what people are saying about Wenatchee being awarded a $92 million INFRA grant below.

Frank Kuntz, Mayor of Wenatchee: "The Apple Capital Loop project is the result of many years of collaborative transportation planning and thoughtful community outreach, this funding will provide the necessary transportation infrastructure to support the sustainable growth of the Wenatchee Valley. An investment of this magnitude highlights the importance of rural communities to the health of the local, regional and national economy. "

Brad Hawkins, 12th District State Senator: "The INFRA grant award is a monumental moment for our local transportation efforts. A big congratulations to Mayor Frank Kuntz and all of our local partners who have been steadfast in their efforts over multiple years in pursuing this grant. I was proud to support it and thank our federal officials for their advocacy and efforts. This is beyond exciting for our region. A gigantic win that cannot be overstated!"

Kevin Overbay, Chelan County Commissioner: "This is not only a valuable contribution to the transportation infrastructure of our community, but will also have a positive impact to our economic vitality and quality of life for our region. It has been a long journey to get to this point but I am pleased with the collaboration and resolve of the many partners who have come together on this project. "

Brian Brett, Fire Chief, Chelan County Fire District #1: "We are so grateful to have been awarded this transportation funding. Not only will this decrease our fire apparatus response times, it will decrease the frequency of auto accidents, and facilitate an alternative evacuation route in the event of a wildfire emergency. Thank you Congresswomen Schrier and team."

Steve Maher, Our Valley Our Future coordinator: "This is a big win for the Greater Wenatchee Area and the region as a whole. The Apple Capital Loop transportation project is a key part of the community's Our Valley Our Future Action Plan, which was developed from the voices of thousands of residents. Project completion will mean alleviation of local traffic congestion, better connections with existing routes, and a boost for regional commerce."

Richard DeRock, Link Transit: "It is absolutely fair to say that the full completion of the Apple Capital Loop project is critical to the long-term effectiveness for Link Transit. The new link connecting Olds Station to Wenatchee will save Link Transit riders traveling between Leavenworth, Cashmere, Chelan and Wenatchee some nearly 14 minutes of travel time on each trip. This travel time savings is critical to make transit competitive with private auto travel and to increase the efficiency of Link Transit. The other full range of projects included in the Apple Capital loop project significantly improve transportation in our region improves the access to jobs and improves transportation equity in our region. A true win for the citizens of North Central Washington."

Jim Huffman, Commissioner, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority: "This grant will enable the long-awaited development of the northeast quadrant of the valley at the east end of Odabashin Bridge. It will also further smooth the flow of traffic within and between our communities. Thank you to Representative Schrier for being a catalyst for our group of community partners."

Alan Loebsack, Chairman, Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority: "As the lead economic development agency in Chelan and Douglas Counties, enhancing transportation infrastructure is critical in our efforts to attract new investments and jobs. The INFRA grant will improve the flow of traffic in the greater Wenatchee valley and make our area more attractive for private investment."