King County, City of Enumclaw reach agreement on major economic development transaction

Sims and Wise partner to support rural economic development

King County and the City of Enumclaw today announced an agreement that is expected to provide a major catalyst for economic development on the Enumclaw Plateau. The agreement includes the transfer of King County Fairgrounds and four nearby county-owned parcels of land to the City of Enumclaw.

The transaction, which also includes $2 million in county funds to help transform the properties into a major tourist attraction, is subject to approval by the Metropolitan King County Council and the Enumclaw City Council. The transaction would take effect Jan. 1, 2007.

"We see this agreement as a major catalyst for economic development in the rural community," County Executive Ron Sims said. "The City of Enumclaw has been very proactive in defining its future, and we're eager to support the city in achieving its goals. This agreement will provide many benefits for the people of the city and the county."

The City of Enumclaw recently completed the first phase of a tourism study, which cited the fairgrounds and its potential for redevelopment as a first-class equestrian facility and expo center as the centerpiece of a plan to boost tourism and business.

Enumclaw Mayor John Wise said city officials appreciated King County's cooperation in providing the opportunity for the city to develop a new civic amenity that would support the city's economic vitality.

"The fairgrounds have always been important to our community and it has been a pleasure to work with the county to help realize our dream of creating a major destination that would attract visitors and new revenues to our area," Wise said.

" King County is a good community partner, and we enjoy hosting the King County Fair in our community. We are committed to continue our strong partnership with King County for the benefit of the City of Enumclaw and all county citizens."

Cathy Rigg, President of the Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce, said the agreement holds promise for economic growth in the area.

"The Enumclaw Chamber of Commerce congratulates the City of Enumclaw and King County on working together to help develop future business and potential growth," she said. "The surrounding community has strongly supported the idea of a tourism plan, and has shown a great interest in a first-class equestrian center. The chamber supports city administrators and city council members in its upcoming mission to determine the best fit for the property as it pertains to Enumclaw, its businesses and our residents."

In addition to the property, King County will invest $2 million in county funds as part of the transaction. The money can only be spent at the fairgrounds or other properties involved in the transaction. Of the $2 million, $1 million can be used only for capital projects; the remaining $1 million can be used for maintenance and other operating expenses in addition to capital projects.

Sims said the regular employees who currently work at the fairgrounds will be offered jobs elsewhere within the King County Parks system. Sims also said he expects the King County Fair to continue.

"We are already budgeting for a fair in 2007," he said, noting that the agreement gives King County the ability to use the fairgrounds free of charge for a fair or similar event.

In addition to the fairgrounds, the City of Enumclaw will also receive four other parcels of county-owned land on the Enumclaw Plateau. The land includes two parcels across the street from the fairgrounds, Sportsman Park at 290th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 448th Street, and Farmers Park at 228th Avenue Southeast and Southeast 436th Street.

Under the terms of the agreement, the fairgrounds and other properties involved in the transaction must continue to be used for park and recreation purposes.

Sims said the agreement with Enumclaw is part of a larger initiative to help improve economic opportunities in King County's rural communities. He recently led the development of a new Web site, which highlights specific county features and programs that are available to King County's rural residents.