County issues a Declaration of State of Emergency due to WSF disruption at Orcas Island

The ongoing marine transportation service disruption to and from Orcas Island demands immediate action to preserve public health and protect life and safety on Orcas Island by ensuring that essential services are available

||| FROM SAN JUAN COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS |||

During the November 10 meeting, the San Juan County Council issued a declaration of a state of emergency due to critical structural damage at the Orcas Island ferry terminal which has severely limited access of goods and services to the island.

The declaration states:

“The threat of imminent marine transportation service disruption to and from Orcas Island demands immediate action to preserve public health and protect life on Orcas Island by ensuring that essential services are available.”

The County is aware that providers of essential services, including food, medical supplies and sanitation, are actively implementing temporary alternative transportation measures such as contracted barge service, but understands that those solutions pose capacity and cost constraints. The County, including the San Juan County Department of Emergency Management, is working closely with impacted businesses and private barge owners to monitor the situation and provide support as needed.

The County’s declaration lays out a request for assistance from the Governor of the State of Washington:

• Ongoing coordination, technical, and logistical support from the Washington State Ferries Division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, including support from other Washington State agencies and departments to facilitate expeditious and efficient repair.
• To consider direct Washington State financial support to local businesses impacted by the transportation disruption and forced to utilize costly and logistically challenging alternative forms of transportation.
• Additional technical and coordination support as is deemed appropriate and necessary by San Juan County and coordinating Washington State agencies.
• That additional requests for Washington State resources be considered and granted when made.

The County will continue to monitor the situation and advocate for island communities with State and Federal representatives. The official WSF update page for this event can be found HERE.