Pathway would link Electric City pedestrians north toward park area

The future of Electric City may one day be more pedestrian-friendly, if an idea the city is pursuing ever comes to fruition.

The Electric City Council is in favor of a pathway in the city proposed by one of its members. But don't look for anything to happen any day soon.

Councilmember Brad Parrish, who is proposing the pathway, explained to the council that any pathway in the city would involve the cooperation of a number of agencies.

"It will be difficult," but not impossible, he told fellow council members.

Parrish is proposing a 1.75-mile pathway that would stretch from North Dam Park to Sunbanks Resort.

Prior to the council meeting March 10, Parrish, Councilmember Lonna Bussert, and a contingent from Gray & Osborne engineering, Grant County Health District, and the Grant County Economic Development Council gathered to go over maps and stake out the obstacles and agencies that would be involved.

Parrish has also been meeting with U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials in Ephrata, going over details of the venture.

"They are aboard," Parrish said, meaning that they have provided encouragement.

The group broke up as the council meeting was ready to start with the assignment of getting stakeholders involved.

Parrish had been assured that there could be grant money involved, and the city might have to use money from their hotel/motel tax fund for any matching needs.

"This is a longterm project," Parrish said, "and it could take several years to develop."