HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/27/2024 03.A. Trolley week proclamation i4
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BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 3.A.
For Meeting of: August 27, 2024
ITEM TITLE: Trolley week proclamation
SUBMITTED BY: Victoria Baker, City Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
At the August 20 City Council meeting, Council approved the issuance of a Trolley Week proclamation.
Ken Johnson will be accepting the proclamation.
ITEM BUDGETED: N/A
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
ATTACHMENTS:
2024 Yakima Valley Trolley Week
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CITYOT
WRIEW S, `Yakima's earlyfounders acted with vision andforesight to construct an interurban electric
railway which stitched together the communities of the Yakima Valley; and
WfEAS, the Yakima valley Transportation Company railway brought tremendous prosperity to
the region, serving as the starting point for agriculture and other goods to reach global-markets; and
14 1EcAS, the interurban electric railway multiplied the social, economic, and educational
opportunities for all people of this Valley; and
`GWfEAS, `Yakima was the last city to have streetcar service in Washington State; and
WfEAS, this very City Council body, led by council member Wray gown, in 1974 pursued an
ambitious plan to restore that streetcar service;and
WIPEUAS, interurbans like the 'MT were once commonplace in America and now there is only one;
and
WfE'AS, the National'Park Service has found the railway to be a good candidate for
designation as a SNational.7fistoric Landmark and
WfEAS, `Yakima's trolleys serve as an international draw for tourism; and
`14 1EcAS, the trolleys have the potential to catalyze future economic development and tourism as a
connector of the community; and
WIITUAS, generations of families have fond memories riding the trolleys;and
WfE'AS, this August the 28th marks 50 years since the arrival-of the two trolleys#1776 and#1976
which restored'Yakima's streetcar service.
NOW, TIPEXEEOU, I, 'Patricia Byers MMLayorof the City of Yakima and on behalf of the City Council,
do hereby proclaim the weekof August 25 through August 31St as
"(Yakima 1)alTey (Irolrey Week"
throughout the City of Yakima and encourage all residents to enjoy this unique part of our heritage and think
about the future of'Yakima's historic interurban electric railway.
Dated this 27th day of August, 2024
'Patricia Byers, Mayor
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(III VALLEY
TROLLEYS
WORKING TOWARDS BECOMING A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
The Yakima Valley Transportation Company(YVT) is the nation's last example of an interurban electric railroad of the sort
that was once common in America, bridging the gap between the horse-and-buggy and the automobile era.Today the
railroad is owned by the City of Yakima and a nonprofit organization operates streetcars between Yakima and Selah,to the
delight of visitors and locals alike.
What is the history of the YVT?
The YVT began as a streetcar system in downtown Yakima in 1907. By 1909 it was acquired by the Union Pacific railroad
which expanded it into a true interurban system in the Yakima Valley and carried both passengers and freight. In 1985 the
railroad was donated to the City of Yakima.
What is a National Historic Landmark?
A National Historic Landmark(NHL) is the highest level of historical recognition awarded by the federal government,short
of being a National Park or National Monument. It is a higher level of distinction than a National Register of Historic Places
listing. In fact, only about 3%of all properties on the National Register of Historic Places also achieve NHL designation.
How many other NHLs are around Yakima?
None! If listed,the YVT will be only the 3rd in eastern Washington and the only one in an urban area.The Hanford B Reactor
and the Marmes Rockshelter(which is inaccessible and inundated underwater)are the other two.
Why is the YVT railroad being considered for NHL designation?
There was a period in American history when electric, interurban railroads were popping up across the country,enabling
urbanization, mobility,and fueling economic growth.Today,the YVT is the last interurban of this type—connecting Yakima
and Selah.
The YVT maintains an astonishing level of historical integrity, including a 1910 carbarn building with a belt-driven machine
shop,a 1911 powerhouse facility,original streetcars and electric freight locomotives, 5 miles of interurban trackage to Selah, a
historic Pegram truss bridge,and original tools,vehicles, and maintenance-of-way equipment.
Aren't there other trolley systems in America?
Yes, but the YVT is unique as an example of an interurban electric railroad and also retains a far higher degree of historical
integrity than any other trolley system remaining.
What are the benefits of becoming an NHL?
The NHL program is administered by the National Park Service. Listing comes with many benefits:
• Dedicated grant funding available to NHLs to support preservation without relying on local funds
• Expert assistance in historic preservation available from the National Park Service
• Significant tourism appeal
Will NHL designation impose new burdens on the property owner?
No, NHL designation will not impose new limitations on property rights, not create new maintenance or preservation re-
quirements,and not mandate public access.
Where is the YVT in the application process?
In January 2021 the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation stated the YVT is"more than
worthy of National Historic Landmark designation." In March 2021 the Yakima City Council unanimously endorsed the bid.
The Yakima Valley Trolleys nonprofit is now working with an accomplished historic preservation architect with a good track
record of successful NHL applications.The application process is lengthy and typically takes several years to complete.
vd�;w.yakimavalleytrolleys.org