Frequently Asked Questions

Who is paying for the study? 

Chelan-Douglas Transportation Council is funding this project with a federal planning grant and additional contributions from partner agencies including Chelan County, Link Transit and the cities of Cashmere, Entiat, Leavenworth, and Rock Island. 

When will the pathways be built? 

Once this Pathways Master Plan is completed and the community has a clear vision and detailed designs for buildout of a pathway network, it will be possible to apply for state and federal grant funding to construct new pathways. 

Who will maintain the pathways? 

The agencies responsible for management, maintenance, and operations of each pathway corridor will be determined as a part of the project study.  

Why can’t people just walk or ride on existing roads? 

Based on community input, CDTC is looking to create a safer and more direct transportation option for people of all ages, abilities, and comfort levels to walk or bike between communities in the region.

Will the pathway be paved or dirt? 

The pathway will be paved.  

Will eminent domain be used?  

No. Eminent domain will not be used to purchase private land from unwilling sellers.

Will E-bikes be allowed?  

Yes. E-bikes make it possible for more people to pedal bicycles, particularly uphill. E-bikes are already creating more use of the Apple Capital Loop Trail and demand for better cycling routes.

Why is there no trail connection to Entiat?

The SR 97A highway corridor through Entiat is tightly constrained by steep slopes, the Columbia River, and an active railroad. The possiblity of connecting Entiat north to Chelan and south to Wenatchee will be studied, and may become a fifth pathway corridor if a feasible route is identified.

It looks like a path is being proposed through or close to my property. When will landowners be consulted?

At this early stage in the planning process, everyone is invited to make suggestions about where to locate a new pathway, using the interactive map on the project website. Property owners are encouraged to provide their initial feedback using these same tools. Later this summer and fall, the project team will use the public and property owner input we are currently gathering to evaluate and propose specific pathway alignments. Throughout the planning process, the project team will continue to ask for input from community members and affected landowners to help guide the determination of any pathway alignments.