Candice Boutilier

Herald staff writer

Boardwalk cost $535,000 more than anticipated

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake City Council decided not to fund the boardwalk project Tuesday in a 4-3 vote.

All council members agreed the project would make a great addition to Moses Lake. The majority feared too many other projects would suffer due to funding the boardwalk. Those who voted against the project were concerned it could go over budget.

For the past three years, the Trails Planning Team was envisioning the city could have a boardwalk extending from McCosh Park to the Japanese Peace Garden. There would be a decorative viewing area along the walk. Then the TPT was awarded a $342,318 grant to make the idea possible, but there was still a great deal of money needed for construction.

Previously the council agreed to pay $110,000 for the boardwalk and viewing area. Combined, it was not enough money to fund the project.

To match available funding, the TPT downgraded the project to be more cost effective. It would be a simplified boardwalk extending from an entry point near the Centennial Amphitheater to Division Street. They presented the proposal to the council Tuesday night.

The proposal still needed $535,000 in additional funding from the city.

"I just don't think we have the money at this time," council member Richard Pearce said. "We have an obligation to fire, police and streets."

Council members who voted against the project, Brent Reese, Richard Pearce, Bill Ecret and Jon Lane, agreed other programs could suffer tremendously, especially streets, if the extra money was allotted for the boardwalk. It could also lead to borrowing from other funds, causing the funds to be depleted.

Reese pointed out there are many other projects in progress, including the ice rink and Third Avenue.

"We need to get these done," he said. "It could be a possibility we have more projects going on right now than we've ever had before."

Reese said vandalism was a concern. If people vandalize the project, it would take more money for repairs, he said.

Mayor Ron C. Covey was in favor of the boardwalk construction. He said he was concerned the project would come in over budget but felt it would be a great addition to the area. Covey was also concerned the city would be paying more for less of a project.

Several council members suggested waiting one or two years before starting a project like the boardwalk due to the many projects already in progress.