City Council finalizes contract with trolley association
The Issaquah City Council finalized acceptance of a contract with the Issaquah Valley Trolley Association Monday, Feb. 2.
Keith Watts, president of the Downtown Issaquah Association, was there to impart the groups’ support for the trolley project.
“We believe this will bring many tourists and money to the area,” he said. “And it creates a connectivity that’s linking different parts of the city together.”
The Council voted in December to authorize the city to act as certified acceptance agency for the Issaquah Valley Trolley Project.
Under federal and state requirements, this type of agency is needed for grant management, and can only be filled by city and county agencies. The city voted to manage the project’s $500,000 in federal grant money.
At Monday’s meeting, the Council finalized the agreement by voting to enter into a contract with the trolley project — with one small condition.
In the project proposal, “burgeoning old-town atmosphere” was changed to “charming old-town atmosphere.”
The Transportation Committee will take a closer look at the project in the future, though, to determine exactly how the project’s funding will be tracked.
Mudslides
February delays on state Route 18 due to mudslides, flooding
Drivers should expect delays on state Route 18 through February as state Department of Transportation crews work to stabilize a slope under the westbound lane just east of the Holder Creek Bridge.
Recent storms led to mudslides after flooding in Holder Creek.
“We will stabilize the hillside to protect against further erosion and damage,” said Dave Lindberg, project engineer. “The shoulder of the roadway has already cracked and if we have additional flooding we could lose the highway.”
Crews will close the westbound lane at 7:30 p.m. and reopen it at 4:30 a.m. throughout construction, which should last until March.
They will be building a rock buttress, and repairing the damaged shoulder and guardrail.
Pilot cars will lead drivers through the area, and the speed limit has been reduced to 45 miles per hour.
An average of 20,000 vehicles use the stretch of highway each day, including about 3,000 trucks.
For more information, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/Projects/SR18/TigerMtnSlope/.
Kiwanis Club of Issaquah presents award
Bill Klein, Kiwanis Club of Issaquah member was presented with the Kiwanis
Legion of Honor, January 28, 2009 at a special Kiwanis meeting held at
Providence Marianwood. Bill received a certificate and lapel pin for 50 years of distinguished and dedicated service. He also served as club secretary for many years and was the founder of the Issaquah Kiwanians singing group.
Village Theatre hosts capital campaign kick-off rally
Village Theatre announced its capital campaign to raise funds for the reconstruction of First Stage Theatre, 120 Front Street N., Thursday, Feb. 5.
The Kresge Foundation announced that it has issued the theater a $500,000 grant toward the $2.8 million reconstruction project.
Reconstruction is scheduled to begin in spring 2009, and wrap-up in the fall.
The new theater will boast new restrooms, a larger lobby, and new work spaces for Village Theatre staff members.
It will be improved with telescope seating, stage wings for storing sets, lights and other equipment, and gathering space for the actors.
The theater hosted a kick-off gathering Thursday, Feb. 5 where attendees viewed a presentation of the proposed construction and a tour of the facility.
For more information, contact Michelle Sanders, public relations manager at 425-392-1942 x124, or e-mail msanders@villagetheatre.org.
At Monday’s meeting, the Council finalized the agreement by voting to enter into a contract with the trolley project – with one small condition.
In the project proposal, “burgeoning old-town atmosphere” was changed to “charming old-town atmosphere.”
The Transportation Committee will take a closer look at the project in the future, though, to determine exactly how the project’s funding will be tracked.
Docents needed at the Issaquah History Museum
The Issaquah History Museum is looking for people interested in greeting visitors at the Issaquah History Museums’ Train Depot and Gilman Town Hall, 50 Rainier Blvd. N. for four or more hours a month.
Volunteering as a docent will provide people with the opportunity to learn about Issaquah’s history, serve the community and have fun at the same time, with other docents and the public, according to museum staff. Training is provided.
For more information, or to volunteer, e-mail Karen at volunteer@issaquahhistory.org or call 425-392-3500.
