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O Consent Agenda
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Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
From: Frank Gifford, Public Works Director
Agenda Date: August 5, 2013
Subject: Letters of Appreciation - Murray /Kilmer
Upper Hoh Road Funding
Statement of Issue: Letters of appreciation for Senator Murray and Congressman
Kilmer for their support in obtaining Federal Lands Access Program funds for the
Upper Hoh Road.
Analysis /Strategic Goals /Pro's Et Con's: With the support of Senator Murray and
Congressman Kilmer, Jefferson County has sought funding for repairs and protection
for the Upper Hoh Road which is subject to frequent washouts from winter storms and
floods. Jefferson County was recently notified that it is eligible to receive up to
$11.3 million in funds from the Federal Lands Access Program to be used on the Upper
Hoh Road. The Western Federal Lands division of Federal Highways will manage and
deliver the projects.
Fiscal Impact /Cost Benefit Analysis: None for signing these letters of appreciation.
Recommendation: Sign one (1) original of each letter to Senator Murray and
Congressman Kilmer and return to the Public Works office. Public Works will mail
them.
Department Contact: Monte Reinders, County Engineer 385 -9242
Reviewed By:
i ip Morley o my Administrator Date
August 5, 2013
The Honorable Derek Kilmer
U.S. House of Representatives
1429 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Representative Kilmer,
On behalf of Jefferson County, we are writing to thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts to
secure federal funding for repairs to the portion of the Upper Hoh Road leading up to the Olympic
National Park. We are extremely grateful for the recent approval for up to $11.3 million from the
Federal Lands Access Program from the Western Federal Lands Highway Division.
As you know, the Upper Hoh Road is the only vehicular access point to the Hoh Rain Forest, a popular
destination for tourists from around the state and country. Due to the close proximity of the Upper Hoh
Road to the Hoh River, multiple washouts have occurred during severe weather events, at times causing
temporary closure of the road, and preventing access to the Hoh Rain Forest and its visitor center. Road
repairs have caused a significant strain on Jefferson County's limited financial resources. This grant will
go a long way towards mitigating that pressure and maintaining access to a national treasure.
As the House moves forward with consideration of a new transportation authorization bill, we ask your
support in maintaining authorization of the Federal Lands Access Program. Reauthorization of the
program will ensure Jefferson County's ability to access funds from this decision as they become
available through the Highway Trust Fund.
Thank you again for your support of the Upper Hoh Road. Your backing and the assistance of your staff
has been a critical factor in our progress to maintain the road and access to the Olympic National Park
and Hoh Rain Forest.
Sincerely,
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
John Austin, Chair David Sullivan, Member Phil Johnson, Member
August 5, 2013
The Honorable Patty Murray
United States Senate
154 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Dear Senator Murray,
On behalf of Jefferson County, we are writing to thank you for your ongoing support of our efforts to
secure federal funding for repairs to the portion of the Upper Hoh Road leading up to the Olympic
National Park. We are extremely grateful for the recent approval for up to $11.3 million from the
Federal Lands Access Program from the Western Federal Lands Highway Division.
As you know, the Upper Hoh Road is the only vehicular access point to the Hoh Rain Forest, a popular
destination for tourists from around the state and country. Due to the close proximity of the Upper Hoh
Road to the Hoh River, multiple washouts have occurred during severe weather events, at times causing
temporary closure of the road, and preventing access to the Hoh Rain Forest and its visitor center. Road
repairs have caused a significant strain on Jefferson County's limited financial resources. This grant will
go a long way towards mitigating that pressure and maintaining access to a national treasure.
As the Senate moves forward with consideration of a new transportation authorization bill, we ask your
support in maintaining authorization of the Federal Lands Access Program. Reauthorization of the
program will ensure Jefferson County's ability to access funds from this decision as they become
available through the Highway Trust Fund.
Thank you again for your support of the Upper Hoh Road. Your backing and the assistance of your staff
has been a critical factor in our progress to maintain the road and access to the Olympic National Park
and Hoh Rain Forest.
Sincerely,
Jefferson County Board of Commissioners
John Austin, Chair David Sullivan, Member Phil Johnson, Member