Kennewick city officials asked the state legislature on Jan. 7 for $1.3 million to construct a replacement phase of the Columbia Park boat launch, saying the existing structure has reached the end of its useful life and the project supports major regional events and everyday recreational use.

The request covers replacement of three boarding floats and follows a 2020 Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant and local design funding. Nick Farrline, Kennewick parks director, said the project is design-complete and permitted through 2028 and that the city is seeking the construction funds from the state’s 2025 capital budget.

The city described the riverfront facility as central to Tri-Cities recreation and events. Farrline highlighted that the Columbia Cup and an annual air show draw large crowds and that the Salmon Summit uses exclusive access to the launch to serve roughly 4,500 elementary students. The city estimated the Columbia Cup and related summer events contribute about $2.7 million to the local economy.

City presenters told legislators and lobbyists the replacement design uses galvanized steel and other materials intended to extend lifespan and meet modern environmental and fish-protection standards. Kennewick staff said the replacement design was developed in consultation with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has approved the application for the project.

City representatives also discussed property arrangements: the city leases the ground from the Corps but owns the infrastructure and bears maintenance and replacement responsibilities. Officials urged coordination with the city’s legislative champions to shepherd the request through both the House and Senate before the session cutoff.

The parks director said the city’s capital request is a priority among other transportation and capital requests and that staff are coordinating which legislators will lead advocacy for Kennewick projects.

If funded, the work would replace the existing floats and related infrastructure to maintain public access for anglers, paddlers, educational programs and large special events that rely on the boat launch.