Tent camp closure looming

A 350-bed tent camp that houses farm workers in East Wenatchee, Wash., is set to close next year, but officials have not yet created new on-farm housing to replace it, the Associated Press reports.

Commissioners in Douglas County have said they would consider keeping the tent camp open beyond its five-year contract. The camp is located near Pangborn Memorial Airport on property that is intended for commercial development.

Two housing projects for farm workers in Douglas County have been delayed—one by neighbor appeals, and the other by state regulations. Officials say that on-farm and community housing has less impact than large tent camps in public places.

“I had hoped the state would come up with a plan by now to house workers on site,” said Douglas County Commissioner Ken Stanton. “We can sit here and throw tent camps up everywhere, but I don’t think that’s the answer.”