MARYSVILLE – U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen talked with city officials about potential federal funding help for the Marysville waterfront and trail system development during a visit to the Qwuloolt Estuary March 8.
At this point, Larsen, of Arlington, said funding options are limited.
Because of the trail system that could be used by bicyclists, there may be some transportation money available. “The movement of people,” he said.
He said a government low option might be better for this project.
“I’m looking for a municipality that might be willing to experiment,” Larsen said.
City Public Works Director Kevin Nielsen said that could be an option.
“I’d dig into that,” Larsen responded.
Because government is fluid, parks director Jim Ballew asked the congressman to keep Marysville in mind.
“If you think of anything else in the next two to three years we’d like to have a conversation,” Ballew said.
Larsen said another possibility is a land-water conservation fund.
“Anything beyond what I’ve talked about you’d be trying to target grants,” he said.
Larsen was told during the tour that consultants have said it would cost up to $11 million for the trail system and $20 million for developing the waterfront park. Ballew said the work would be done in six phases.
“We want to bring the community down to the water,” Ballew said, adding it would have a eco-tourism vibe. “Any conceivable program” could be provided there.
He said now only 900 feet of water is available for public use on the Marysville waterfront. That would expand to 1.8 miles once this project is completed.
Ballew talked about a boating center as part of the project. Larsen said a private company might be willing to fund that.
Nielsen mentioned that in the future, the long-term goal is to connect the waterfronts of Marysville and Tulalip.
Larsen, who has been instrumental in the estuary project, said it seems to be working well.
“The next step is to bring public opportunities,” he said. “Marysville is at ground zero in putting that together.”
