Chelan secures 3 million for East Chelan Water Reservoir project
Chelan secures $3 million in state funding for the East Chelan Water Reservoir Project, led by Rep. Mike Steele. This initiative aims to bolster the city’s water system, which is currently vulnerable due to reliance on a single booster pump that serves 41% of the north shore. Fire Chief Brandon Asher pointed out that the limited reservoir capacity endangers firefighting efforts and public health during emergencies. The project will include a one-million-gallon reservoir, a new booster pump, and upgraded transmission lines to modernize the aging infrastructure.
Mayor Erin McCardle hailed the funding as essential for ensuring safety and resilience in the community. The current system only provides 11 hours of water during small fire emergencies, highlighting the urgent need for improvements. City officials plan to partner with the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers for planning and design, which will take 12 to 18 months.
They will also pursue additional federal funding opportunities to complete the project.