Kennewick approves three‑party interlocal agreement to build Parking Lot E

The Kennewick City Council voted unanimously March 17 to approve a three‑party interlocal agreement and a reciprocal parking licensing agreement for Parking Lot E, intended to serve an expansion at the 3 Rivers Convention Center and the Port of Kennewick’s Vista Field project.

Deputy City Manager Beaton summarized terms staff negotiated: the Port of Kennewick will pay 100 percent of any increases related to design changes serving Vista Field needs and commit to 50 percent of the total construction cost; as part of the arrangement the Port also agrees to pay 50 percent of repairs while the city and the Kennewick Public Facilities District will be responsible for ongoing maintenance. Beaton explained that the Port’s contribution is contingent on the city’s consideration of a requested 10‑year extension and certain modifications to the existing development agreement.

Beaton told the council the parties will also execute a nonexclusive reciprocal parking licensing agreement for shared surface‑parking use after construction. Staff recommended the interlocal agreement and reciprocal license; a motion to approve was made and the council approved the agreement unanimously.

Beaton indicated the interlocal and the development‑agreement extension are linked administratively and that the development agreement changes would be scheduled for council action on April 21. The agreement, as approved, provides the city flexibility to terminate or modify terms should future needs (for example, a structured parking solution) arise.

The council did not record individual roll‑call votes in the transcript; the clerk announced the motion passed unanimously.