Submitted by the Washington State Transportation Commission

Local officials and community leaders from the San Juan Islands will meet with the Washington State Transportation Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to discuss transportation issues, challenges and successes that are unique to island life.

The meeting takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Town of Friday Harbor council chambers at 60 Second St. This is a public meeting and persons wishing to speak to the commission may do so during the public comment period scheduled for 2:45 p.m.

The meeting will include a series of short presentations on transportation topics in the islands, including how transportation serves tourism and economic development. The agenda includes briefings on transportation issues throughout the San Juan Islands, including specific panels discussing transportation on Lopez, Orcas and San Juan Island. The commission also will hear in detail the challenges related to ferry service disruptions this summer and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s plans to address them.

Representatives from the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and the San Juan County Economic Development Council will describe how transportation is essential to tourism, construction and other economic activities. Other topics include air transportation to the islands and Washington State Ferries’ 2040 Long-Range Plan.

In addition to the public meeting, commissioners will tour the islands’ transportation facilities to gain a better understanding of local issues. The commission will visit Orcas Island on Monday afternoon, Sept. 17, to see the new Orcas Island passenger terminal, ferry parking areas, and the new Park-and-Ride lot. On Tuesday afternoon following the meeting, the commission will view roads on San Juan Island and improvements at the Friday Harbor airport.

The Washington State Transportation Commission holds several meetings throughout the state each year to gain insight from local government, industry and citizens about transportation issues that affect their communities and region. This information helps the commission to develop and implement transportation policies and recommendations to the State Legislature and Governor that reflect the priorities of the people and local governments throughout the State of Washington. In 2017, the commission also has met in Centralia, Kent, and Leavenworth.

For more information about the commission and a complete meeting agenda, visit www.wstc.wa.gov