Resolution 16-011 John Wayne Trail CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 16-011
A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE PRESERVATION OF THE JOHN WAYNE
PIONEER TRAIL AS A RECREATIONAL AMENITY FOR CITIZENS ACROSS
WASHINGTON,AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, the John Wayne Pioneer Trail is a 300 mile long stretch of former railway roadbed
that runs from the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains to the Idaho border,and is the longest rail trail
in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Washington State Parks Department and the Washington State Department of
Natural Resources own the land the trail sits on; and
WHEREAS, in 2002,the John Wayne Pioneer Trail was designated a National Recreational Trail
by the federal government; and
WHEREAS,the John Wayne Pioneer Trail is used by cyclists and horse riders, including the John
Wayne Pioneer Wagons and Riders Association for their annual"Ride Across Washington"event; and
WHEREAS,Fish Lake Trail,which turns into the Columbia PIateau Trail near Cheney, provides a
direct connection from the City of Spokane to the John Wayne Pioneer Trail for recreational enthusiasts in
the greater Spokane area; and
WHEREAS,the City of Spokane has spent more than$3 million on improving the Fish Lake Trail,
and long term plans anticipate spending another$4 million for the final phase of improvements; and
WHEREAS, there have been recent discussions and suggestions regarding potentially closing the
John Wayne Pioneer Trail east of the Columbia River; and
WHEREAS,the closure of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail would decrease recreational opportunities
for the citizens in the entire area, including Spokane Valley, and close a critical connection to Fish Lake
Trail/Columbia PIateau Trail,and forfeit the right-of-way for any possible future rail transport connection;
and
WHEREAS, adjacent landowners have brought forward concerns about ongoing maintenance of
the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington as follows:
Section 1. Support for Preservation of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. The City Council of the City
of Spokane Valley expresses its support for the preservation of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail so that it can
continue to serve as a recreational amenity for the residents of the state, including Spokane Valley, and so
that it can continue to provide economic development opportunities to the communities adjacent to and
near the Trail's route.
Resolution 16-011 -John Wayne Pioneer Trail Page 1 of 2
Section 2. Effective Date.This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption.
Adopted this 27' day of September,2016.
City a Spokane Valley
L.R. Higgip a . •
ATT S
(// 11)--4. ,.x' 04/t
Christine Bainbridge, City Clerk
Approved a o Form:
e
O ice I[l7e ,lt Attorney
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