The city of Sultan was approved for a $200,000 Snohomish County’s Conservation Future Funds grant to help potentially purchase property along the Sultan River.
The Sultan City Council unanimously agreed during last Thursday’s meeting to accept the funds via an interlocal agreement.
A trail will be developed on the land, connecting the Osprey and River parks that border the city to the west with the downtown core.
Laura Koenig, city clerk and deputy finance director, said the actual purchase has not been made yet.
The city has two years to buy the property, according to council documents. Once the contract is signed, the city must “maintain, operate and conserve the property for open space and passive park purpose.” The city must also send the county an update on compliance with the agreement by Feb. 1 every year. Negotiations with the property owner are ongoing.
Applications for the Future Funds grant were accepted until Feb. 28. About $2 million was available for eligible projects this year.
The Snohomish County Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board recommended applicants to the Snohomish County Council in April. Between 2011 and 2016, more than $31 million has been provided for acquiring more than 2,500 acres around the county.
The program was started in 1988, according to the advisory board. Funds are offered to preserve farmland, open space and forest.
“These resources are available through the County’s authority to levy up to six and one-quarter cents per thousand dollars on all taxable property within the County for the purpose of acquiring open space,” according to the advisory board.
The Sultan River property includes a bridge built by the Snohomish County Public Utility District, according to council documents.
Photos by Kelly Sullivan: The city of Sultan will purchase a parcel of land between Osprey Park and River Park in Sultan.
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