During a recent Kittitas County government meeting, a strong advocacy for public recreation funding was presented, highlighting the need for a $100,000 allocation for capital improvements in the 2025 budget. The proposal aims to enhance recreational facilities along the Yakima River, which attracts over 550,000 visitors annually. The funding would be sourced from the budgeted REIT 2 dollars within the park and recreation tourism budget.

The speaker emphasized the importance of public access to recreational areas, noting the existing partnership between Kittitas County and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which has successfully developed public access trails and provided security in the Yakima River Canyon. However, concerns were raised about the county's involvement in the operation and maintenance of recreational sites, citing a significant financial loss experienced by Grant PUD with a golf course in Crescent Bar.

The speaker urged the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to honor their commitment to taxpayers by utilizing REIT 2 funds for capital improvements in public recreation, rather than entering the operational side of recreational management.

Following this discussion, the meeting transitioned to the consideration of funding proposals from the 1/10th to 1 Percent Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Tax Advisory Board. Erin Moore, Deputy Director of Kittitas County Public Health, presented recommendations for funding to various local organizations, including community builders and health care providers, following a request for proposals that garnered 13 responses.

The meeting underscored the county's ongoing efforts to enhance public services and recreational opportunities while addressing community health needs.