The Pierce County Council voted Tuesday to sell 63 acres near Graham for $17.5 million.

The proceeds from the sale of the Elk Plain road shop property on State Road 7 near 224th Street East will go toward purchase of the Tacoma Narrows Airport, improving roads and road maintenance facilities.

The 5-2 vote approved an amendment stipulating that the purchaser, Managing Green Ltd., build a pedestrian and bike trail in the eastern part of the property, from 224th Street East to approximately 232nd Street East. Also, the plan will set aside $1 million from the sale earnings for developing a park in Graham.

“We get a neighborhood park site in Elk Plain, we get a trail in Elk Plain and we also get a lot of dollars for congestion relief,” Councilman Roger Bush said.

Matt Hamilton of Graham said that more than $1 million should have been earmarked for the community. “This money was raised in Graham and should stay in Graham,” he said.

Joyce Chen, The News Tribune