Tumwater City Council to consider 2.5M contract for Deschutes Valley Trail project

The Tumwater City Council is set to vote on a $2. 5 million contract for the Deschutes Valley Trail design at its meeting on October 7. This contract, which received backing from the Public Works Committee, aims to continue the long-envisioned project that connects five city parks and the Tumwater Valley Golf Club. Since its inception in 1987, segments of the trail have been completed, including a section finished in 2021. The remaining segments will total over two miles and include three bridges for water crossings.

The total estimated cost for these segments is approximately $16. 8 million, with $5. 8 million sourced from the Washington State Department of Transportation and $2. 6 million from federal funds. City officials are actively pursuing further grant funding to offset costs.

Jared VerHey, the city’s capital projects manager, noted the complexity of the project due to its proximity to environmentally critical areas. This vote represents a crucial step in the ongoing development of the trail system, which promises to enhance local recreational opportunities.