Scenic Byways designation brings funds to the San Juan Islands
From the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
The San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Partnership is proud to announce two recent funding awards to continue their work on Washington State’s newest scenic byway.
The first is a branding and wayfinding signage grant to mark the actual byway driving routes on Orcas and San Juan Islands, as well as the marine/ferry route from Anacortes, for $33,190. The second grant, which was just announced August 17 by the Washington State Department of Transportation, is to explore transportation alternatives for traveling the Byway, namely a shuttle pilot project, for $171,680. Both grants must be matched by 20% in local, in-kind services.
“These awards are coming at the perfect time since we are just completing our required Corridor Management Plan process,” said Deborah Hopkins, Executive Director of the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and Byway Leader. “Thanks to our Byway Partnership and Scenic Byway Coordinator Liz Illg, this second project will enhance use of alternative transportation for the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway to help preserve our local quality of life and improve community livability, protect natural resources, and partner with local transportation businesses. Reducing the number of vehicles coming to our islands will balance environmental stewardship with our tourism-influenced economy.”
This second project will identify strategies to address challenges in expanding transit and non-motorized access. The work will build upon the evaluation of regional and local transportation conditions provided in the Corridor Management Plan, which will result in a final report to local government and the greater byway community about alternative transportation options.
The executive summary of the Corridor Management Plan, created by OTAK in Kirkland, Washington, in conjunction with the San Juan Islands Scenic Byway Partnership, is now available on the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau website at www.visitsanjuans.com/scenicbyway. Byway Partners include: San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau, San Juan County Public Works, San Juan County Parks & Recreation, San Juan County Land Bank, Friends of the San Juans, San Juan Island National Historical Park, Town of Friday Harbor, Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, Friends of Moran State Park, Orcas Pathways, San Juan County Agricultural Resources Committee, and Washington State Ferries.
For more information, contact Scenic Byway Coordinator Liz Illg at 378-6104.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
A wonderful gift, particularly the transportation one! Now we can connect mainland public transportation with oportunities on the Islands!.
It’s proof that the Scenic Byways designation is working, as far as being a benefit to our islands.