Leavenworth celebrates new Park and Ride

    A new addition has been made to Leavenworth - the Link Transit Wilkommen Park and Ride located at 200 Ward Strasse had its grand opening June 28 at 11:30 p.m. with a ribbon cutting ceremony and Munchen Haus lunch.
    "I want to welcome everyone to our ribbon cutting for this park and ride transit center investment we were able to make in the Leavenworth area through a partnership with the city, Washington State Department of Transportation and Link Transit," said Richard DeRock, Link Transit General Manager.
    The new transportation hub was made possible through a state grant, WSDOT, that is connected to a funding program that invests in transit that can reduce congestion and reduce vehicle miles from the borders, according to DeRock.
    "With the traffic we had in Leavenworth and the delays that were on the highways, it was really an opportunity," said DeRock. "It should have the potential to reduce some of the demand and traffic in the borders as well as support the growth in the community in ways that are more sensitive to the needs out there."
    Some familiar faces in attendance was Mayor Cheri Farivar, Council member and Link Board Member Mia Bretz,  DeRock, Washington State District 12 representative Mike Steele and WSDOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Keith Metcalf.
    "We here in the Upper Valley are really fortunate to have access to a public transit system and now we have this beautiful new facility, allowing for efficient transfer, much needed parking -  and soon a shuttle system to navigate Leavenworth streets for commuters, employers and visitors," said Mayor Farivar.
    Mayor Farivar shared some words about the latest public transportation avenue available for residents and tourists, what it means for Leavenworth and how it impacts festival season.
    "I would like to thank everyone who took part in the planning, funding and building of the Leavenworth Link Transfer center," said Mayor Farivar. "The people of Leavenworth, our down valley employees and all of our visitors will continue to benefit from this facility for decades to come."
    The ribbon cutting ceremony also had an opportunity to dig in to lunch provided by local favorite, Munchen Haus, and a demo shuttle was running from 12:30 until 2:30 p.m.