Cities support WATV routes between Monroe, Sultan

Monroe and Sultan are supporting legislation that would provide wheeled all-terrain vehicle drivers connections between the two cities.

The Monroe City Council adopted a resolution that supports legislation Snohomish County Councilmember Sam Low is proposing that would allow drivers to operate WATVs on connecting unincorporated county roads. The Sultan City Council passed its support resolution in July.

“The Sky Valley tourism and recreation industry draws thousands of visitors to Snohomish County and the region each year,” according to Monroe’s resolution. “Tourism and recreation generate millions of dollars in economic impact in Snohomish County each year.”

The vehicles are becoming an integral part of the industry, according to council documents.

If Low’s legislation goes through, riders will be able to take Old Owen Road to the north of U.S. Highway 2, or Ben Howard and Mann roads to the south, according to council documents.

Sultan has allowed the use of WATVs on city streets since 2013, according to council documents. The county council legalized operation on some county roads adjacent to Sultan late last year. Monroe made the vehicles street-legal in May.

Recently retired Police Chief Tim Quenzer spoke against adopting regulations in Monroe. The council discussed the options for about six months. Dozens of community members attended meetings and spoke in support of WATVs during that time.

“I really want to thank you and encourage other people, when other issues come up that they are passionate about, to come before council and speak because it does make a difference, and it does help us make better decisions when we hear the input,” Councilmember Patsy Cudaback said the night Monroe legalized use.

A coalition of rural city managers, environmentalists, law enforcement and other groups worked together for years to lobby and support passage of a state 2013 bill advocates say helps regulate WATVs, therefore making them safer. Monroe’s Premier Polaris co-owner Linda Driscoll was a part of the effort.

Washington policy ensures more accountability and protections from the vehicles being used destructively, according to Conservation Northwest. The Department of Natural Resources estimates between 3,000-6,000 miles of trail have been illegally created by riders, or three to six times the legal amount.

Members of the WATV community believe the vehicles can help boost local economies through lodging, restaurants and gas stations, where certain roadways are opened to use. They also argue WATVs are fuel-efficient and low-impact.

“Connecting the cities of Monroe and Sultan for WATVs would boost the recreational appeal for both cities and Snohomish County, supporting local businesses and generating local tax dollars,” according to council documents.

Cities have flexibility in deciding many regulations for use within their boundaries.

In Monroe and Sultan vehicles can only be driven on roads with a speed limit of 35 mph or less, excluding State Route 522. In Monroe, each WATV must have headlights, tail lamps, stop reflectors, turn signals, mirrors and a horn, among other equipment. Motorcycle helmets must be worn, unless the vehicle has seatbelts and roll bars or an enclosed passenger compartment.