Moderate Risk Waste Facility: A Community Solution Built on Community Partnerships
information released by Chelan County
Gov. Jay Inslee and Department of Commerce Director Lisa Brown recently announced the 11 Smart Communities Award winners for 2020-21. Among the winners are Chelan County and the cities of Chelan County, who are recognized for their partnership in building the Moderate Risk Waste Facility, a year-round community resource that safely disposes of household hazardous wastes.
Launched in 2006, the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards program annually recognizes local governments and their partners for exceptional work in implementing the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA) to shape future growth, economic vitality and quality of life in communities across Washington.
“I’m proud to showcase another impressive cohort of Smart Communities Award winners, each representing creative leadership and collaboration that will enrich these communities for years to come,” said Gov. Inslee.
“These award winners model best practices that can easily be adapted by other communities,” Brown said. “Their work demonstrates how thoughtful planning with robust public engagement can build shared vision and buy-in for meaningful action on important priorities and projects that strengthen communities.”
This year’s award winners, selected from 16 nominations by a panel of judges, focused on achievements in the areas of job growth, economic development, housing affordability, homelessness, parks and recreation, transportation, subarea development and, new this year, climate change strategies.
Chelan County and its partners were awarded the Smart Projects Award. The project was funded by the county and the cities of Wenatchee, Cashmere, Leavenworth, Entiat and Chelan, as well as the state departments of Ecology and Commerce. Businesses also participated in the development, including waste haulers and recyclers.
Judges called out the reuse part of the plan, in which the project nomination said: Chelan County has many beautiful streams, mountains and desert areas for abundant recreation and tourism. By safely diverting waste material to safe disposal and reuse, we also educate people on the harm toxic waste can cause if dumped into the environment. Prevention is much less costly than cleaning up a brownfield site. After developing the plan, other jurisdictions have asked to use it as a model in their communities.
To learn more about the MRWF, and the partnerships that brought it to fruition, watch the video created by Chelan County called: A Community Solution Built on Community Partnerships.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FytTrMXG0GE
Award Announcement: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/governors-smart-communities-award-winners-honored-for-excellence-in-planning-for-growth-and-economic-development/
MRWF website: https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/solid-waste-management/pages/household-hazardous-wastes
