National Guard to Assist with Food Distribution at Town Toyota Center

April 1, 2020

The Chelan-Douglas Regional EOC reports that the Washington National Guard will be deploying to communities around the state to assist with food distribution at local food banks.

Starting tomorrow, April 2nd, the National Guard will be sending 10 guardsmen to Wenatchee to assist with food distribution at the Town Toyota Center. The national Guard will be assisting our local food banks, churches and community groups as they combine resources to better serve our community during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The request for the National Guard was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The National Guard will only be assisting with food distribution. They will not be utilized in any law enforcement capacity or to enforce any restrictions put in place by Governor Inslee.

National Guard Press Release.pdf

Wenatchee Park Closures Update

April 1, 2020

Upon the recommendation of the City insurance provider to help reduce the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, beginning Thursday April 2, 2020 the following park amenities will be closed to use for the near future:

  • Play equipment in the following park areas:
    • Rotary, Kiwanis-Methow, Chase, Pennsylvania, Pioneer, Washington
  • Basketball Courts in following park areas:
    • Rotary and Kiwanis Methow
  • Picnic Areas in the following park areas:
    • Rotary, Lincoln, Pioneer, Washington
  • Soccer court at Kiwanis Methow Park

Park restrooms and individual picnic tables will continue to be open and sanitized daily. For your health and the health of others please observe the following to help us be able to keep
the remaining parks and trails open:

  • Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
  • Follow Center for Disease Control guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.
  • Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms.
  • Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass.
  • Observe Center for Disease Control’s minimum recommended physical distancing of 6 feet from other persons at all times.
  • Dispose of your liter in a trashcan and not on the ground.

Thank you and stay safe!

To view the full Press Release, click HERE .

City of Wenatchee Press Release

Community Development Closure Update

Pursuant to the Governor’s Order last week, building inspections will be strictly limited to those activities necessary for the continuation of “essential public services” and for emergency home repairs related to life and safety issues.

Our office is officially closed to the public, which means that no walk-ins, appointments, or drop offs will be accepted. We will, however, accept electronic or mail-in submissions if they are complete.

When building permits are ready for pick up, the applicant/owner will be notified. If the
applicant/owner wants the permit issued, permit payment will be arranged, the packet will be mailed, please note that no inspections will be scheduled until further notice. Owners/applicants may choose to wait for permit issuance until the lifting of the Governor’s order.

Land use permits continue to be reviewed and processed. However, most staff is working from home, so please be patient. Please call our office if you would like additional information on this process at (509) 888-3244.

Press Release is available on the City of Wenatchee s website .

From the Office of Governor Jay Inslee

March 29, 2020

Good evening –

It has come to my attention that rumors abound in Central Washington about community members needing “letters” to leave their home or go to work. The unintended consequences from certain employers providing “proactive letters” ripple across the region and leave some community members feeling concerned or scared. Especially those who may not speak English as their first language.

I want to be clear: rumors only create unneeded concern. As the Governor mentioned, Washingtonians can go outside as long as they remain at least six feet from each other. Grocery stores, doctor’s offices and other essential businesses remain open. People can still participate in activities such as bike rides, gardening, and dog walking — as long as they follow social distancing rules.

Please help remind our community members of these facts. As a reminder, DOH has launched a Spanish language blog: https://medium.com/bienestarwa . It has frequently asked questions, resources, and I would urge organizations, cities and counties to share on their social media.

Information can save lives. Let’s spread the facts.

SALVADOR SALAZAR
Central Washington Regional Representative
Office of Governor Jay Inslee
www.governor.wa.gov

Governor s Office Statement 3-29-2020.pdf

Inslee statement on federal stimulus package

March 27, 2020

Gov. Jay Inslee today released a statement on the passage of a sweeping federal stimulus package to address the ongoing health and economic consequences of the COVID-19 emergency.

“This public health emergency is impacting all Washingtonians and we need solutions that reflect the size and scale of the moment. Our state welcomes this critically-needed support, as we continue to face down an unprecedented crisis. From investments in essential child care and medical supplies to expanded unemployment insurance and small business support, we know it will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives in the days and weeks ahead.

“However, we also know it is not enough. There’s no question more help will be needed in the coming months to address the harsh economic realities of this moment. Make no mistake — it is a moral imperative that leaders across the country continue to make the difficult choices to protect public health and keep Americans safe. But it is also incumbent on federal government to help address the billions of dollars in shortfalls we are expecting to face at the state, local and tribal levels. This bill does not solve those longer-term challenges.

“I am grateful for commendable efforts of Washington State s Congressional Delegation, who fought on a bipartisan basis to secure vital resources for Washingtonians who are on the front lines of this crisis. Their leadership in this moment sends a message to every corner of our state that we are truly all in this together.”

Summary of some allocations for Washington state:

  • State Coronavirus Relief Fund : estimated $1.624 billion for Washington state (state share) and estimated $1.329 billion for WA local governments (local share) for a $2.953 billion total for Washington, out of $150 billion total;
  • Child Care Development Block Grant : estimated $58.2 million for Washington out of $3.5 billion total;
  • Community Services Block Grants for counties and cities to rapidly respond to the economic and housing impacts caused by COVID-19: estimated $11.8 million for Washington out of $1 billion total;
  • Low Income Energy Assistance program : estimated $11.1 million for Washington out of $900 million total;
  • Education Stabilization Fund , to help ensure K-12 schools and institutions of higher education can continue to serve students as they respond to the coronavirus crisis.
    • Education Stabilization Fund: estimated $56.6 million for Washington out of $2.953 billion
    • Elementary and Secondary Education: estimated $216.9 million for Washington out of $13.229 billion total.
  • Hanford: Directions to the federal government to ensure tens of thousands of workers at the Hanford Nuclear Site and PNNL who cannot telework will continue to receive pay.

For more information, click here.

Media Contact

Mike Faulk
Governor Inslee’s Communications Office
360.902.4136