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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM110215 with Hearing Comment re: TIPDistrict No. 1 Commissioner: Phil Johnson District No. 2 Commissioner: David W. Sullivan District No. 3 Commissioner: Kathleen Kler County Administrator: Philip Morley Clerk of the Board: Erin Lundgren MINUTES Week of November 2, 2015 Chairman David Sullivan called the meeting to order at the appointed time in the presence of Commissioner Phil Johnson and Commissioner Kathleen Kler. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD: The following is a summary of comments made by citizens in attendance at the meeting and reflect their personal opinions: • A citizen stated: 1) Minutes need to be posted online; 2) His neighbor now has two dogs; and 3) He has complaints regarding the Sportsmen's Club and a no trespass admonishment he received; • A citizen stated: 1) The Noxious Weed Control Program should set aside 10% to reimburse farmers for their weed -fighting efforts; and 2) We should all be thankful and proud of our County Auditor's Office for being honest and the best in the state; • A citizen: 1) Thanked the Auditor's Office staff for their work; and 2) Stated that the Jefferson County Democrats passed a resolution regarding The Marbled Murrelet and are also seeking County Commissioner support; • A citizen stated he is in favor of funding the connection between the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Larry Scott Trail as part of the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); • A citizen stated the Port of Port Townsend should focus on operational costs during budget time and think ahead regarding economic development in the event of a natural disaster; • A citizen urged the Board to move forward with an ordinance regarding fireworks and fire lanterns; • A citizen: 1) Asked if there is a new Sportsmen's Club Agreement and if they have the authority to ban an individual from public property; 2) Suggested waiting on the placement of a Jefferson Transit sign in light of a recent Supreme Court case; and 3) Noted that the Department of Community Development (DCD) request to increase fees does not reflect inflation rates; • Two (2) citizens voiced enthusiasm for upcoming work on the Comprehensive Plan process. One citizen stated that a subcommittee will need more support of DCD, and they anticipate the need for more funding; and • A citizen stated: 1) A Fireworks Ordinance needs to be passed; 2) Signage to direct drivers to use signals at the roundabouts would be beneficial; and 3) Educational programs for youth, which are funded by 1-502 sales, should not be diverted. Page 1 C, p>U � G Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015N Is ' APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE CONSENT AGENDA: Commissioner Johnson moved to approve all the items on the Consent Agenda as presented. Commissioner Kler seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. 1. HEARING NOTICE re: Setting 2016 Ad Valorem Tax Levies; Hearing Scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioners' Chambers 2, RESOLUTION NO. 39-15 re: Establishment of a Veterans Advisory Board 3. AGREEMENT re: Sublease of Meeting/Office Space; In the Amount of $3,360; Jefferson County Extension, Washington State University (WSU); Finnriver North, LLC 4. AGREEMENT re: Community Access Services; In the Amount of $6,180; Jefferson County Public Health; Skookum Contract Services 5. AGREEMENT re: Group Supported Employment; In the Amount of $33,840; Jefferson County Public Health; Skookum Contract Services 6. AGREEMENT re: Acquisition Services for the Duckabush River Floodplain; Gregory Property (Parcel #502 1710059 #502 171006, and #502 172 005); In the Amount of $19,820; Jefferson County Public Health; Jefferson Land Trust 7. AGREEMENT, Change Order No. 2 re: Upper Hoh M.P. 3.338 Culvert Replacement, Project No. CR18960, Federal Aid Project No. PLH-A 160(001); A Decrease in the Amount of $7,032 for a Total of $587,006.64; Jefferson County Public Works; Rognlins, Inc. 8. AGREEMENT, Change Order No. 2 re: Dowans Creek Road Realignment, County Project No. CR1799-3, FEMA 1734 -DR -WA, Grant No. E08-796; An Additional Amount of $71,948 for a Total of $403,589.75; Jefferson County Public Works; Bruch & Bruch Construction, Inc. 9. Payment of Jefferson County Vouchers/Warrants Dated October 16, 2015 Totaling $505,967.22 COMMISSIONERS BRIEFING SESSION. The Commissioners reported on their meeting schedules. The meeting was recessed at 9:50 a.m. and reconvened at 9:59 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. HEARING re: Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP): Public Works Director Monte Reinders and Transportation Planner Zoe Lamp were present for the hearing. RCW 36.81.121 requires the annual adoption of a six-year transportation improvement program after holding a public hearing. The purpose of the law is to "assure that each county shall perpetually have available advanced plans looking to the future for not less than six years as a guide in carrying out a coordinated transportation program." Director Reinders explained that the TIP is a rolling plan that gets updated once per year as needed. The plan can be changed to reflect new needs, priorities and changed budgetary conditions. Below is an excerpt from a memo Director Reinders issued explaining this year's TIP: "Welcome to the 2016-2021 Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program (T.I.P.). A lot has been accomplished in the last 12 months. Jefferson County completed the Chimacum Safe Routes to School Page 2 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 project, Paradise Bay Road improvement project, Dowans Creek Road relocation, a major pipe ramming culvert replacement on the Upper Hoh Road, and a correction of a fish passage barrier on the Clearwater Road through a partnership with the Pacific Coast Salmon Coalition. These projects represent a construction value of over $3, 000, 000 of which over 90% was covered by State and Federal grants. In addition, Public Works responded to an unusually severe winter storm damage season completing emergency repairs to four significant road washouts with a combined cost of approximately $800,000. The Six -Year T.I.P. is a "rolling" plan that is updated each year to provide direction to transportation improvements on Jefferson County's 400 -mile public road system. Development of the T.I.P. is a process that identifies needs, prioritizes those needs, develops projects to meet the needs, and rolls some of those projects into a plan that may occur over the next six years. A range of different project types is included in the TLP. The T.I.P. is strongly influenced by the availability of funding, and many of the projects listed do not, as yet, have secured funding. Historically, projects on Jefferson County's T.I.P. have averaged about 70% funding from State and Federal sources. Many non -local transportation revenue sources, however, only fund certain types of improvements on certain types of roads, and the result is that Federal and State priorities strongly influence what actually gets accomplished. Lack of available local match limits the number and size of grants that can be utilized. Local funds available for this proposed 6 -year capital program average only $225, 000 per year. Jefferson County has a limited tax base with transportation revenues among the lowest in western Washington when measured in terms of dollars available per road mile. The county road fund has seen a 25% overall reduction in annual operating revenue due to loss of federal land timber revenue in recent years. As a result, road fund reserves are drawn down more and more each year. The Six -Year T.I.P., like any other capital improvement plan, is only a plan for what should be done provided adequate funding is available. It shows what funding must be sought and/or what revenue sources must be developed. Decisions about which projects actually get advanced are made through the annual County budgeting process... " Director Reinders explained that loss of timber funding revenue has hit Jefferson County hard. Skamania County was the hardest hit in terms of timber revenue decrease, but our County is probably second in the state. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvest picked up with the rebound in the economy which has helped, but does not come close to the downfall in funding. The nature of how the County funds transportation has changed dramatically over the last 20 years as a result of this funding source. By example, Clallam County has a similar road system to Jefferson County, but they have double the road levy and double the gas tax. He added that it is a real challenge for Jefferson County to take care of its transportation infrastructure with the small tax base that it has. Commissioner Kler noted that since most of the repairs made to roads were located in District 3, are a lot of repairs due to the fact that roads are next to unpredictable rivers? Director Reinders replied that the percentage of repairs due to river damage is pretty high for our County compared to other counties. He added that for a lot of the roads in need of repair, there are no re-route options which makes for a tough situation. Page 3 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 0]1677, Ms. Lamp stated that 90% of funding for road transportation projects comes from state and federal funds and 7% comes from local funds. This is a high percentage of unsustainable grant funding that goes into the TIP. Public Works is seeking partnerships and new funding sources. Staff recommends that the Board approve the Six -Year TIP as submitted by staff. Chairman Sullivan opened the hearing for public testimony. Jeff Selby, Port Hadlock: He stated that he is the Vice President of the Jefferson County Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC). He said that the PTC fully understands the challenges of the County in considering their request to put yet another project on the TIP. They feel strongly that the proposed study qualify as both a transportation and a recreation project and is the only way for the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) to move forward in Jefferson County. They are well aware that only government entities can apply for grants, never non -profits. In all 14 jurisdictions, including Jefferson County, the trail is considered a transportation corridor for the purpose of grant applications. There is no doubt that the study of the trail to avoid Highway 20 is a transportation issue as it solves a very dangerous ,- transportation problem. Other routes are clearly no safer and 11 miles longer. The PTC feels that existing road shoulders do not constitute a shared -use path. No equestrian or young family, skateboarder, in-line skater or wheelchair user is currently using the County's suggested bypass, and believes they will not do so in the future. Throughout all 14 jurisdictions of the ODT, the trail is viewed as a single -entity, regardless of the jurisdiction of which it passes. For the County to consider something different here, simply does not represent the ODT design and is not considered a shared -use path for all different user groups. It does not follow the County's own comprehensive transportation plan and will not serve the local community or attract visitors. He added that very few of the projects on the TIP are intended to generate revenue for the County. The ODT will. He believes that businesses will spring up along the route and existing ones will profit from the additional traffic. Additional tax revenue will be generated by the increased property values and additional business revenue. It will create jobs and prosperity. He stated that the result has been seen by countless communities both nationally and internationally. A 2006 study concluded that cycling contributions alone total $133 billion dollars in the United States. He believes that Jefferson County can be one of these communities. He asked the Commissioners to make an investment in their future and have faith that the first step will lead to an increased economic vitality to the County that will far outstrip the initial investment. He urged the Commissioners to open the door now and allow them to pursue funding for a long-term vision of the ODT. John Frasca, Port Townsend: He stated that he supports the Peninsula Trails Coalition's request that Jeff Selby just made. He noted that there are many trail users such as young families, parents pushing strollers, hikers, horseback riders and mobility impaired people such as himself. He has been a long-time cyclist, but a few years ago he had to switch to a recumbent tadpole tricycle due to his balance issues. He has successfully ridden other trails in the Pacific Northwest, the Idaho panhandle on the beautiful Coeur d'Alene trail, Chehalis western trail and looks forward to riding from Port Townsend to Neah Bay. He stated that they need the Commissioners' help. Summer Martell, Port Townsend: She stated that she has lived in Port Townsend and on the Larry Scott Trail for the past 11 years. She is a member of the Back Country Horsemen Club and owns two horses. She has ridden on the Larry Scott Trail before the Milo Curry section was a trail and just a muddy track. Living directly on the trail and using it 24/7 in all weather, she can attest to the fact that the trail usage has exploded. She believes the trail is a valuable asset to the community. People stop and have roadside Page 4 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 conversations, they exercise and feel connected to one another. She stated it cannot be overemphasized how valuable the community -building aspect of the trail is. In an era where we are more disconnected than ever because we all have communication devices that keep us insular. Getting out and speaking with one another and having exercise is very valuable. She has done unscientific observation and study and believes the trail is remarkable. She would like to keep that going and have the trail extended for further community -building with trails and trail users down the road in other communities. She thanked the Commissioners and everyone in the room for their commitment that brought them to the hearing today. Juelie Dalzell, Jefferson County: She stated that she lives on Cape George Road across from the trail. She is a horseback rider and when it snows, they cross country ski. She loves the trail. She thanked Public Works Director Monte Reinders and staff for their phenomenal work on keeping the trail well- maintained. David Trotter, Jefferson County: He stated that he lives on the Larry Scott Trail and is here to support the County in completing the trail to Highway 101, however that needs to be done and funding obtained. He has been participating with Horse Partners, which is an equine therapy. Mary Craft is a retired judge from Texas who is the head of that organization, but he has been assisting her with that. The trail is a great place for them to conduct their work with intellectually challenged children and Veterans who have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The trail is phenomenal for mental health. He reiterated that he supports adding this project to the TIP to get the trail connected. Christina Pivarnik, Kala Point: She stated that she is passionate about tourism and promotes Port Townsend and the entire Olympic Peninsula. She is an avid user of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and rides her bicycle, horse and uses it on average once a week for the past year. Due to her workload, she has used it less in the last month. As she has been using the trail, what strikes her the most is how incredibly used it is. The enormous traffic on the trail which consists of cyclists, hikers and riders. There are conversations that happen along the trail. Her interest is to see where people are coming from. When she sees bicyclists that are laden with packs and panniers, she often will approach them to ask Where are you coming from? Where are you going? She said it is amazing how many people are doing a route from Victoria, Port Angeles, Port Townsend, Whidbey Island on up to Anacortes then to Sydney on the lock -side trail in British Columbia and back to Victoria. One time she came across three ladies celebrating one of their 70th birthdays. They came to Port Townsend to stay at one of their upscale accommodations to have dinner, go shopping. Ms. Pivarnik stated that cyclists shop thanks to FedEx and UPS. Besides what it does for our community and the health and well-being for our own folks here, it is an amazing vehicle and true natural highway for visitors to come to spend money. She stated that she loved what Jeff Selby said about the economy of what the trail can do for us. For safety, we need that trail to expand and move from Milo Curry safely down to Highway 104. She appreciates what Public Works and the County has done to maintain the trail. She urged the Commissioners to get behind this project. There is not a time that she doesn't see riders on the trail. She added that during this past year, there were around two dozen international journalists and travel writers that she toured around this summer. She starts her tour at the head of the Larry Scott Trail, the head of the ODT in the Boat Haven. Sometimes she will walk them up and show them what the trail does. She believes the trail is such a great story for our whole community across the peninsula. She urged the Commissioners to support this for the health of their own community, economy and all citizens. Page 5 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 Jenny Little, Port Townsend: She stated that change is happening, and that was the headline for a newspaper last Tuesday. Change is the law of life, and those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future as quoted by John F. Kennedy. She read excerpts from a local newspaper. On Monday, October 26, 2015, Jefferson County Commissioners adopted projected population numbers for an estimated 31 % increase over the next 20 years. Commissioner Kathleen Kler was quoted as saying that the numbers could be skewed by a higher than expected number of climate refugees who come to the area as a result of global warming. Going on to say that this is one of the better places to live in the country. The numbers may have to be changed. Ms. Little sees this happening in her own neighborhood already. Within a three block radius of where she lives at in uptown Port Townsend, there are five new houses being built. Particularly, they are houses for people who will be retiring here. Jefferson County leadership has done a remarkable job staying the course during tough economic storms. It is time to join our neighboring counties to safely reconnect communities via a multi -use regional trail system. She stated that today we are at a point in time where the Jefferson County Commissioners can begin a lasting legacy by adding the initial feasibility study of a crucial portion of the ODT to the TIP, thereby enacting the process by which all parts of the ODT have been created to date. Pete Sexton, Port Townsend: He stated that he owns the Broken Spoke bicycle shop in Port Townsend and is speaking on behalf of a dozen trail -user groups. There is a Junior High School program that has grown dramatically and have been state champions for a few years. They use that trail every week as a training tool. Other user groups are walkers, horsemen and cyclists. His business receives thousands of dollars in rental fees for people renting a bike to use specifically on the Larry Scott Trail. Mr. Sexton stated that you can sit up by the Post Office at 9:00 a.m. in the morning or 4-5:00 p.m. in the afternoon and watch the ferry terminal from April to October, and you will see a number of bicyclists coming on and off the ferry. There are those who participate in bicycle tours. Trails that come through Port Townsend include the Pacific Crest Trail from Canada to Mexico, the Northern Tier and the Tri -Parks Route all via the adventure cycling network. The adventure cycling network is used by people all over the world. There are tax dollars that come to the community from far away that we don't experience every day. There is a mountain bike event in Port Angeles called Northwest Cup. The head of that event said that for every dollar brought into the community, that dollar turns over three times. In a three day event, they bring in $1,000,000 to that community. A lot of running and biking events that are held on the ODT can create a huge impact on this community. Donald Crist, Jefferson County: He read from a statement he submitted. (See hearing record) Linda Carson, Port Townsend: She thanked Public Works for their educational presentation which gives everyone a good idea of what they are up against, which is a lot. She thanked the Commissioners for putting the last remaining section of the Larry Scott Trail on the TIP. The continuation of the trail will benefit many user groups of all ages and physical abilities. The trail will provide a safer route for those groups and get them off of Highway 20. Jefferson County should embrace the opportunity to do its part to work with other counties, the state and federal government in an effort to improve non -motorized transportation opportunities for everyone. There are many ways to get this done, but the important thing is to get it started. Apparently, a study is the beginning of the process. She added that we try to become convincing with the economic monetary benefits of this, but the most important thing to think about is the benefit of making a safe and livable community for now and our future generations. She believes that by putting this project on the TIP, we can begin the long process of the study sooner rather than later. It will not be easy as there are many variables, but moving forward is what we need to do. There has been many volunteers over the years and she would like the Commissioners be more receptive to Page 6 EF Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 those volunteers. If the County does not have the resources, then embrace the help and expertise of many people in the community who want to help. They can help with paperwork, and many will get out there and do physical work just to get this going. We can make it a joint effort which she believes will help our community. Jeff Bohman, Port An eg les: He stated that he is President of the Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) Board. In the 27 years since PTC was founded, they have worked closely with the 14 jurisdictions such as local, state, tribal and federal. They have achieved over 70 miles of what will eventually be the 130 mile long Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT). This long, continuing and successful campaign has always regarded the Larry Scott Memorial Trail as being the gateway to the entire ODT. They have greatly valued the leadership of the County and the collaboration over the past 27 years to achieve both the Larry Scott Trail and that critically important piece of trail at the head of Discovery Bay. These major accomplishments set the table for what is now in front of us which is the placement of the necessary route analysis on the current TIP. It is critically important to understand that regardless of the eventual route identified, or the land ownership pattern along that route, the overall cost that may be ultimately required, or the funding sources that will be taxed for those funds, or the number of years it may take to achieve the entire vision, the simple step of putting this study on the TIP is the essential and imperative next step. He added that it is important to understand that placing the project on the TIP incurs no further obligations on the County unless the County chooses to accept them. Putting the project on the TIP does provide the County several critical no -cost objectives that are fundamentally necessary to the eventual completion of the trail. It provides the overall stamp of approval for the principle jurisdiction. It provides the necessary planning status that allows pursuit of funding, which can be sought in multiple directions. It establishes the assurance to land owners along the eventual route that the work being done to complete the east Discovery Bay trail study is in the public's interest. It follows the direction they received months ago from Jefferson County regarding what steps and information were necessary to put a project on the TIP, information that they have provided to the County. It also creates a framework under which the PTC, as the leading advocate organization across the entire trail, can be providing the County, along with other advocates, their full resources for advocacy, technical expertise and other forms of support in the long run. He added that as President of the PTC Board, he urges the Commissioners in the strongest and most collaborative way possible, to place the route study on this year's TIP. At this time, he and the other jurisdictions that are working so diligently to complete the trail, are counting on the Commissioners' continued leadership for this very important portion of the trail. They are fully invested in the vision of the trail beginning in the scenic and hospitable area here, but there is a deep concern that not moving firmly forward at this time will increase the possibility that an eastern connection will develop from Hood Canal Bridge, rather than from Port Townsend. He added that if this were to play out, the huge economic transportation, public health, recreation and quality of life benefits the trail could provide, would potentially be lost for decades. He believes these impacts will likely be felt beyond Jefferson County. The small, simple and no cost step of putting this study on the TIP will open doors for the County that can lead to a vast range of benefits. They are eager to work with the County on this study and in a variety of other ways in which volunteer resources, advocacy and expertise can serve the County's needs. Hall Baetz, Jefferson County: He stated that this public hearing lets the Commissioners listen to and be guided by what the public has to say. Remarkably, everyone that has spoken at the hearing, without exception, indicates that the County should study and plan a trail. The Washington State Patrol, Pope Resources and the Pacific Northwest Trail Federal Program Manager has reached out and urged Jefferson County to start planning. The County has offered a partnership, and they have accepted the Page 7 tPsu t G Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 3' UeG partnership. He believes that the massive support with virtually no opposition of the citizens should guide the Commissioners in what they do. The Commissioners asked whether a trail planning project should be part of the TIP, he directed them to look at the materials that County staff has provided to them, specifically at pages 51 and 52 and pages 59 and 60. He stated that they will see that this is exactly what the TIP is designed to cover. He urged the Board to look at their own TIP projects. Prior TIP projects and the current TIP, this is where multi-purpose trails are always placed. The Larry Scott Trail, Milo Curry Trail, the Maynard and the ODT are all on the TIP, and that is where this project belongs. He stated that it was suggested at a meeting he attended with one of the Commissioners, that they should harness all this energy and direct it to another place. Despite his talks with the County Administrator, despite his conversation with others, it is not clear where this project belongs other than on the TIP. Parks and Recreation has even fewer resources than the TIP would provide. He added that no other state or municipal agency is prepared to step up for the broad scope of this project that the County has the responsibility for. He stated that in fact, they try and push it back onto the County. The County should take the lead in planning and figuring out a way to divide that responsibility so that the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) and the City of Port Townsend does their part. A plan needs to be generated in order to accomplish that. He added that the County has asserted it can't afford to do this planning project. The cost of the study could be paid for by funding, if the Board does not authorize some resources to be contributed for it. There are funding sources available, but they need the project on the TIP in order to get that funding. He believes that one of the Commissioners nearing the end of their service, has wanted to see this trail developed for decades. He suggested that Commissioner make a motion and get the project started. He stated that a Commissioner indicated that we need to have this project done right and well and they can manage this process while the planning goes through. Another Commissioner beginning their service to this County has the opportunity to look forward and provide something that will be good for generations in the future. He quoted John F. Kennedy by saying there are risks and costs to a program of action, but they are far less than the long- range risks and comfortable inaction. He urged the Commissioners to take action and place this project on the TIP by making and seconding a motion to get the study process going. Tom Thiersch, Jefferson County: He stated that all of the discussion and conversations about the trail project being a part of the TIP are a little confusing. Trails are recreational in nature, they are not transportation. They transport a very few number of people from one place to another. Almost all of the usage is for recreational purposes. He does not know if this project is an appropriate place to be spending the transportation budget. We have recreational programs, and a whole recreations department. It is underfunded, which we understand, but whose responsibility is it to provide recreational facilities in the County? The County does have an obligation, as one of its goals, to promote recreational facilities and to find ways to fund them, but he does not believe that those types of projects should come out of transportation taxes, or that this is the appropriate place to fund recreational facilities. Hearing no further comments, Chairman Sullivan closed the public hearing. Director Reinders stated that the Board has the option to either adopt the TIP today, of send it back for further analysis. He added that there will be ample opportunity to discuss issues on subsequent TIPS each year. County Administrator Philip Morley noted that almost all of the hearing testimony was in regard to the Olympic Discovery Trail. He appreciates the recognition that the County has already shown its commitment to the trail by completing the Larry Scott Trail and in looking at the solution for the base of Page 8 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 Discovery Bay and securing a route there. He explained that the question is not whether the County supports the ODT, it is a question of how to do that and if we have the capacity to do that. By adding the feasibility study to the TIP, it implies a commitment for follow-through. Commissioner Johnson stated he does not believe that adding the feasibility study of the ODT to the TIP will imply follow-through. The commitment does not have to fall on the shoulders of the County, it could fall on the trail groups. He believes that by adding the feasibility study to the TIP, it will provide leverage for the groups to receive grant funding. Director Reinders stated that if a project is on the TIP, there is an expectation to pursue the project. If there is no funding, there is no study. There will be an expectation to do the study. Commissioner Kler stated if the expectation is clear, and the feasibility study is added to the TIP strictly as a place marker or stamp of approval, she wants to be clear what is being asked of them and what the expectations are. Chairman Sullivan commented that by putting the feasibility study on the TIP, it will be competing with other things that are higher in priority, such as getting kids safely to school, people to work and bus transportation. These things will be competing for the same grants. The Rick Tollefson Trail is focused on creating an internal corridor off the road that is safe for everyone. County Administrator Morley explained that when talking about staff capacity and funding, the TIP presented by Public Works fully commits the staff we already have before the addition of another project. If we add the ODT feasibility study project onto the TIP now, who will look for the funding, what staff time will go into the project, and at what expense to the other projects? As Commissioners, they can set that as a priority. He stated that if the trail groups have funding avenues for the feasibility study, and if they can bring those forward and fund that project, the Commissioners could possibly consider an amendment to the TIP when the funding is secured. Commissioner Kler asked if projects have been removed from the TIP due to lack of funding? Director Reinders replied that projects have been removed from the TIP. Focus can change over time, which is one reason for the TIP being reviewed on an annual basis. Chairman Sullivan stated that the Transportation Commission has been through Discovery Bay and has been working on the safety issue there. He added that he also likes trails and believes they are beneficial for mental health, but that does not mean that he would seek mental health funding for a trail system. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the Commissioners have requested funding assistance from Senator Patti Murray, Washington D.C. and the state many times. He believes that by saying a project is on our County's TIP, it would make the letter stronger. Chairman Sullivan stated that transportation funding is so precious and our County is not able to keep up with the road maintenance as it is. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to direct Public Works staff to amend the Transportation Improvement Program to include the Olympic Discovery Trail feasibility study. Commissioner Kler stated that she has more questions and asked if sending the TIP back to staff would allow her more time Page 9 4,SU Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 to get those questions answered. County Administrator Morley replied that if the Commissioners are not ready to take definitive action today, they can deliberate further this afternoon or at a later date. Director Reinders stated that the TIP needs to be submitted by the end of the year. County Administrator Morley stated there were good points of advocacy that have been raised and some different options to explore. During an afternoon session, the Commissioners can dialogue further with staff regarding options. The motion died for lack of a second. The meeting was recessed at 11:27 a.m. and reconvened at 11:38 a.m. with all three Commissioners present. BRIEFING re: Public Development Authority: Public Development Authority (PDA) Executive Director Dave Robison gave a presentation on the PDA operations at Fort Worden since their formation on May 1, 2014. The City of Port Townsend and PDA Charter's purpose is "...to provide an independent legal entity to manage, promote, develop, secure funding, and enhance the Fort .Worden State Park (the "Park') including undertaking, assisting with and otherwise facilitating the implementation of a Lifelong Learning Center... generally as envisioned in the Fort Worden Long-range Plan (2008) ... " The PDA has a master Lease with Washington State Parks for 90 acres and is responsible for: • Property management on campus • Operate hospitality services • Expand conference opportunities; marketing and sales • Support art, culture and educational programs, activities and events • Coordinate marketing with partners • Recruit new tenants and partners • Attract private investment • Implement Lifelong Learning Center • Maintain free and open public areas • Secure capital project funding; improve accommodations and meeting spaces • Revitalize and invest in a state asset Director Robison reviewed the accomplishments that the PDA has achieved since their opening which include: New front desk and customer service area Strategic marketing plan New branding and logo; new website at: www.fortworden.org Improved overnight accommodations Renovated Building 245 and 270 Campus Wi-Fi and Broadband internet Food service Buy-out of Port Townsend Hospitality Page 10 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 r SK 2 Director Robison reviewed their business model, maintenance and capital plans, other building renovation plans, revenues and expenses, Discover Pass sales, operational savings, grants received and their future plans. County Administrator Philip Morley stated that Director Robison and the PDA team are doing impressive work. He requested annual briefings and program highlights from the PDA. The meeting was recessed at 12:18 p.m. and reconvened at 1:33 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. BRIEFING re: Proposed Ordinance to Establish a New Fee Schedule for the Department of Community Development (DCD): As explained in the information provided by the department: "The current DCD fee schedule generally outlines fees for both building fees and land use development fees. The building base fee and plan check fee are based upon the valuation of the structure proposed to be constructed. The valuation is based on Appendix L Permit Fees in the current International Residential Code as well as the International Code Council Building Valuation Data establishing a value for this type of construction within this area of the United States which is updated in February and August of each year. The land use fees as outlined in the existing ordinance are derived by multiplying the minimum time it takes to process a permit from acceptance of the application to a decision point multiplied by the hourly rate charged by the department. The overall goal of charging building and land use fees is to recover the cost associated with the review and decision making for the application in order that development pays for development and land use is not subsidized by public funds. The primary focus of this update to the fee schedule deals with the hourly rate being charged by the department. The hourly rate utilized in the year 2009 per Ordinance 02-0223-09 was derived by taking the cost to run Community Development, including administration and overhead, and dividing it by the billable hours available. The 2009 fee was calculated at $71.00 per hour and this hourly rate has been updated each January Is' to reflect the consumer price index per Ordinance 12-1209-96. The annual change has fallen short of actual costs over previous years in areas of wages, benefits, and overhead costs for rent, computers and vehicles. The department has examined the fee schedule and proposes adjustments to the hourly rate. Permits other than building permits are charged an hourly fee based upon the minimum time it takes DCD staff to process the application. Additional review time is billed after review is complete and prior to permit issuance. By the building code and consistent with the approved fee ordinance, the Building Official is authorized to review the value of a structure or associated development and must attest to the true cost estimate of the project is being utilized for the purposes of calculating the accurate fee to be charged. The proposed new hourly fee includes department cost recovery for code review, permit preparation, decision making, customer service and administrative duties associated with intake, issuance and records management. " Page 11 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 �SXNtIS`2 DCD Office Coordinator Jodi Adams explained that the proposed DCD hourly fee increase for 2016 would be $85, 2017 $90 and by 2018 would resume annual increase by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) per Ordinance 12-1209-96. If approved, the fee increase would become effective on January 1, 2016. Ms. Adams stated that DCD expenses already outrun revenues and without the fee increase, would need to use fund balance by the end of 2017. Commissioner Johnson asked how far behind is DCD on issuing permits? Ms. Adams replied that single family permits are fairly fast, but that land -use permits are taking longer. It depends on which planner you are asking, based on their caseload. Michelle Farfan was hired on as a contract employee earlier this year to take on the permits that have been in the que for some time. County Administrator Philip Morley added that the County will be renewing Ms. Farfan's contract. Commissioner Kler asked how do Jefferson County's fees compare to Kitsap and Clallam County? Commissioner Johnson noted that Clallam County's DCD department is General Fund funded. Ms. Adams stated that Kitsap County's fees change annually, but are around $1104130 per hour. Island County is around $70 per hour, but she is not sure how much is subsidized by the General Fund for those counties. County Administrator Morley stated that a hearing notice will be brought forward for approval on November 9, 2015. BRIEFING re: Proposed Ordinance to Establish Sheriffs Civil Fees and Add a New Chapter in the Jefferson County Code titled, "Sheriffs Fees": Undersheriff Joe Nole stated that the Sheriff s Office Civil Department has been using a fee scale from 1992. Their request is to have the fee structure more accurately reflect modern-day costs. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) has gone up 68.4% since 1992. The money generated could be used to support the Civil Department function so that it would not have to be subsidized by the General Fund, which is currently the case. Undersheriff Nole stated that because of the General Fund subsidy the Civil Department receives, citizens are having to pay to subsidize people who actually use their department for things like restitution, court documents and other civil circumstances. A review of comparable counties Civil Department fees show that the proposed fees for Jefferson County's Civil Department are fair. If approved, the fees would replace the fees posted on the Civil Department web page and the fees would index with the CPI in the future. County Administrator Philip Morley stated that a hearing notice will be brought forward for approval on November 9, 2015. LETTER re: Marbled Murrelet; Long. Term Survival Strategy: The Jefferson County Democrats and Central Committee made the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) aware of their resolution urging immediate action in support of the Marbled Murrelet. The Marbled Murrelet is a small seabird that nests in older coniferous forests up to 50 miles from marine waters in western Washington, including Jefferson County. Its nesting habitat has been significantly Page 12 t °sU o Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 t �fN� reduced, primarily due to timber harvest practices. The Marbled Murrelet is listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) and is listed as a Washington State Threatened Species. The Jefferson County Democrats are urging the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to voice their support of and urge the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to adopt a Marbled Murrelet long-term conservation strategy. Chairman Sullivan stated that the more he learns about the Marbled Murrelet, the more difficult it seems to protect their habitat. DNR is working on preserving this bird's habitat and is considering the Marbled Murrelet long-term conservation strategy alternatives. Alternative E is the only science -based alternative that would provide for both the survival and recovery of this bird in Washington State. Commissioner Kler agreed that Alternative E is the preferred alternative and moved to send a letter to DNR Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark regarding the Marbled Murrelet long term survival strategy and encouraging the DNR to consider Alternative E in their conservation strategy. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. The meeting was recessed at 2:33 p.m. and reconvened at 2:42 p.m. with all three Commissioners present. COUNTYADMINISTRATOR BRIEFING SESSION: County Administrator Philip Morley reviewed the following with the Board. Miscellaneous Items • Behavioral Health Organization (BHO) Interlocal Agreement. Peninsula Regional Support Network's (PRSN)'s next meeting will be held on December 4, 2015. • Jail health. Transportation Improvement Program (TIP); Scheduling of consultation with Public Works staff on November 16, 2015. Calendar Coordination: • Chairman Sullivan and Commissioner Kler will be attending the Jefferson County Conservation District Annual meeting on November 4, 2015. • Commissioner Kler will be attending a Port Ludlow Village Council meeting on November 5, 2015. • All three Commissioners will be attending the Hood Canal Environmental Achievement Awards on November 6, 2015. • Commissioner Kler will be out of the office on November 9, 2015. Page 13 Commissioners Meeting Minutes of November 2, 2015 NOTICE OFADJOURNMENT. Commissioner Johnson moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:29 p.m. until the next regular meeting or special meeting as properly noticed. Commissioner Kler seconded the motion which carried by a unanimous vote. x , 7, S:EA ATTEST: Carolyn Avery Deputy Clerk of the Board JEFFERSON COUNTY BOARD OF�-COMMISSIONERS Johnsoff Member --Vatkea�?� Kathleen Kler, Member Page 14 JEFFERSON COUNTY GUEST LIST TITLE: HEARING re: 2016-2021Six-Year Trans oration Improvement Program DATE and TIME: Monday, November 2, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. PLACE: Commissioners Chambers, Jefferson County Courthouse NAME (Please Print) STREETADDRESS Required) CITY Not Required) Testimony? YES No MAYBE rNot u�❑ El ❑ ❑ z74 G X1/�rinw/ CC� OI (OCA ✓1 ' < � sr i 1�❑ ❑ 22� o rt- ❑ ❑ � 6, 0-10 El I's ❑V1❑ e'❑ ❑ st als s+- 4 ❑ ❑ p6N�,v c-( �s-' k,o u �T El ❑ ❑ f ® ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ Ov"A 14pris l 1< LTJ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑❑ ❑❑❑ ❑❑❑ ❑❑❑ cc po --) (oaf .15 October 21, 2010 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 HEARING RECORD Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 OCT 212015 Re: Response to Commissioner Sullivan's `Transportation " Question Regarding Proposed Planning Project, for Discovery Bay East Trail Commissioners: Thank you for listening to our public comments at the BOCC meeting on October 19th. After our comments, Commissioner Sullivan remarked that it would be helpful to know our views as to whether the proposed Discovery Bay East Trail planning study is considered to be "transportation" project or a "recreational" project (or, perhaps, both). Commissioner Sullivan may have been inquiring about this because the subject of the upcoming BOCC meeting on November 2 is the County's 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan. There are two answers to the question: a "legal" answer, focusing on the law; and a common sense "practical" answer, focusing on the facts. Both come to the same result. r`• First, the "legal" answer -- which can be found in RCW 36.81.121-.122, the statute which mandates the annual six-year TIP you are now considering. Under RCW 36.81.121, if a county has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to the Growth Management Act -- as Jefferson County has -- the legislative authority of the county (the BOCC), after one or more public hearings thereon, must prepare and adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years, which shall be consistent with the county's comprehensive plan: At any time before adoption of the budget, the legislative authority of each county, after one or more public hearings thereon, shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. If the county has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to chapter 35.63 or 36.70 RCW, the inherent authority of a charter county derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW, the program shall be consistent with this comprehensive plan. (Emphasis added.] Subsection (1) of that statute further provides: .... The program shall include any new or enhanced bicycle or pedestrian facilities identified pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(6) or other applicable changes that promote nonmotorized transit. RCW 36.81.122 provides: The annual revision and extension of comprehensive road programs pursuant to RCW 36.81.121 shall include consideration of and, wherever reasonably practicable, provisions for bicycle paths, lanes, routes, and roadways: PROVIDED, That no provision need be made for such a path, lane, route, or roadway where the cost of establishing it would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. As you know, Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan has long included a new pedestrian and bicycle facility extending from the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to Discovery Bay and eventually to points further west. The Plan (which is in the process of being updated) currently includes, at page 6-4, the following language: The vision for the Larry Scott Memorial Trail is to provide future generations with a safe, non -motorized recreation and transportation corridor connecting Port Townsend with rural Jefferson County. As proposed, the route extends approximately seven miles from the Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven to Four Comers Road. The long-term vision is to extend the trail to Discovery Bay and eventually to points further west.I This exact same language has been included in the Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan each year since the current Plan was adopted on August 28, 1998.2 In 2010, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(6)3, in its update to its Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan element of the Comprehensive Plana the County specifically identified and described three alternatives for new bicycle and pedestrian facilities from the Lary Scott Memorial Trail to Discovery Bay. The 2010 update was adopted as part of the County's Comprehensive Plan.5 The update included detailed multipurpose recreational trail maps, drawings and plans for the three alternative rh7lp:i%a.ic�c.co jef(ersurt.��et.us;comarderelnprrrerrticumplanrrd)si201-145?OConep%30PInnlChapter7�206.pz1� Z hltp tegf,r,o/c_jjcrsnu,�ur u�'6V_e%(rrrk/tlz�r_iigl 11 it{>c. _346h> Pa�,�et,cls/�i', 3 Section (6) requires a "transportation element" which includes as a "subelement" a "Pedestrian and bicycle component to include collaborative efforts to identify and designate planned improvements for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and corridors that address and encourage enhanced community access and promote healthy lifestyles." Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan includes that subelement in Chapter 6. ntt�_-'�nav�ccn e er�orzw_aLvu�.jubL1Le -arlks�"aoncfrain orlass 1NrL1'/�lrrn ra ii-�rticu>. 'e.'ervori w -r us/> Itupc„uk�, dl�Ncm-'tlntarr_cd`%,?OPIarv1010Fir1nl Re.soltr(iori 1840.ydf 2 Eaglemount bypasses.6 Copies of pages from the 2010 update to that element of the Comprehensive Plan, describing and illustrating the three bypass routes, are attached. As a matter of law, under RCW 36.81.121, because Jefferson County adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to the Growth Management Act, the BOCC "shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years [which] "shall be consistent with this comprehensive plan" — including its Non - Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails element. Furthermore, under RCW 36.81.121 (1) paragraph two, the transportation improvement program "shall include any new or enhanced bicycle or pedestrian facilities identified pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(6). That means that the bicycle and pedestrian facilities bypassing SR 20 over Eaglemount must be included on the TIP. Furthermore, as a matter of law under RCW 36.81.122, the County's annual revision and extension of comprehensive road programs pursuant to RCW 36.81.121 — the TIP -- "shall include consideration of and, wherever reasonably practicable, provisions for bicycle paths, lanes, routes, and roadways." However, "no provision need be made for such a path, lane, route, or roadway where the cost of establishing it would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use." The bottom line, legally, is that the County's TIP must include consideration of the bicycle or pedestrian facilities identified in its Comprehensive Plan, including the updated Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails element of that Plan. The County does not have to make "provision for" those bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the TIP at this time. Provision for those facilities will be required, however, unless it is determined, after the planning study, that "the cost of establishing it would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use." Now, the common sense "practical" answer, which follows the law -- as it should. Transportation is the process of moving things and people, usually in motorized vehicles over roads and highways. Efficient transportation is impacted by obstacles on roads or highways. Obstacles can be inanimate (tight curves, rough roads, debris, intersections, high traffic counts, etc) or animate (backpackers, road bikers, horsemen, rollerbladers, dogwalkers, disabled persons, or bicycle touring groups, walking or riding on the road). To improve transportation on the roads, plans can and should be made — in a transportation improvement plan — to reduce or remove obstacles, both inanimate and animate. Getting backpackers, cyclists, runners and other non -motorized users off SR 20 over Eaglemount will improve transportation on that stretch of highway just as effectively as straightening the curves, smoothing the surfaces, or clearing debris. Want proof? Ask the driver of an 80,000 pound paper company chip truck going to the mill from PA, or a Pope Resources manager driving to inspect her tree farm, or a Fed Ex �fnln irN�ia.���r_(jer;�un�cq_a+�ubltcwarks�d"i'Norr .M1futorr cd`%i(IPlrnz!_'OlUlinal/4.I`��'OA1irJrrPt'rposi.'/u;14Crai/ti�dj'. 3 driver late with his delivery, or a pilot trying to maneuver her motorhome in the face of oncoming vehicles, or a Washington State Patrol officer who watches over the route. So, in response to Commissioner Sullivan's inquiry: Planning for a VrODosed multipurpose non -motorized trail bypassing SR 20 over Eaglemount is a proper and essential part of the Coup's Transportation Improvement Plan -- both legally and factually. Thank you for considering my views on this important issue. Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 cc: Philip Morley, County Administrator 4 Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 9: Development Plan Elements Maps for the Larry Scott Trail, Rick Tollefson Trail (formerly the ChimacumTrail), and Olympic Discovery Trail have been added at the end of Section 9.1 Multi-purpose trails. 9.1 Multipurpose trails Multipurpose trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features throughout Jefferson County and with adjacent jurisdictions. Generally, multipurpose trails may be developed to provide for one or more modes of recreational and commuter travel including hiking, biking, equestrian, and other non -motorized trail uses where appropriate. To the extent possible, multipurpose trails may be developed within corridors separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, multipurpose trails may be located on former railroad alignments, utility easements or in separate property alignments. In some instances, the trail may be developed as an improvement within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors. Typically, multipurpose trails may be developed in accordance with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. Multipurpose trails may provide 2 -way travel on asphalt, very fine crushed rock, compact dirt, or other base of varying widths. The trails may be usable by all age and skill groups, and handicap accessible. Trail corridors may be improved with trailhead services including rest stops, parking lots, bike racks and storage facilities, restrooms, water, and air services. Where the trail is located in association with another park and recreational improvement or public facility, the trailhead may be improved with active picnic, playgrounds, and play areas. Multipurpose trail corridors may be independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for resource conservancies, resource activities, athletic facilities, and other park and recreational or public facility properties. Linked with resource conservancies and resource activities, the multipurpose trails element plans may create a system of interconnected corridors integrating and defining the developed portions of urban areas in accordance with the Growth Management Act's (GMA) provisions for urban separators. Multipurpose trail corridors may be developed on other publicly -owned lands using public use agreements or special easements; or on lands owned as portions of road and highway right-of-way, stream corridor conservation or buffer zones of independent title. Trail enthusiasts working in conjunction with public agencies and other private trail interest groups identified most of the routes proposed in this plan. Future trail development projects may use the same cooperative, joint venture Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 approach to formally designate and improve existing routes and trailheads and/or to develop new routes, rest stops, and other trail services. Vision As described, the multipurpose trail vision may be realized by providing trail opportunities that: • conserve natural features, • define urban identities, • link community facilities, • serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and • promote utilitarian non -motorized transportation modes. Multipurpose trail — major systems 1 a ODT — Larry Scott Multipurpose trail located on the former 4.0 Memorial Trail from Seattle & North Coast Railroad grade Port of Port from the waterfront at the Port of Port Townsend to Townsend southwest to the Rumage Rumape propertv Drooertv on CaDe Georae Road. Proposed trails The following trail systems may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate non -motorized trail use opportunities within the area subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, public road, and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private property where owners approve. 1 b ODT — Larry Scott Multipurpose trail from the Rumage 4.1 Memorial Trail property on Cape George Road south Extension to Four through the Quimper Peninsula to Four Corners Corners. 1c ODT — Utility Multipurpose trail from Four Corners 3.2 Route: Four south on utility easements parallel to Corners to SR -20 to Anderson Lake Road. Anderson Lake Road 1 d ODT — Utility Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake 4.7 Route: Anderson Road on optional routes to Fairmount Lake Road to Road, the south end of Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay and US -101. Optional routes include utility easements and old railroad grade. 1 e ODT — Forest and Multipurpose trail from Four Corners 3.2 Lakes Route: Four south on utility easements and across Corners - Anderson forestland to Anderson Lake State Lake State Park Park. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 ° " v 5 2a°% Is ` / y Multipurpose trails 11 '1'.341. `. r- Chapter 9 Plan Elements 3 Existing 1a DDT— Larry Scott Memorial Trail Proposed Ib DDT— Larry Scott Memorial Trail Extension is DDT— Utility Route to Anderson Lake Road 1 d DDT — Utility Route to Discovery Bay Is ODT— Forest and Lakes Route Anderson lake State Park 11' DDT - Forest and Lakes Route to Discovery Bay - 1g OCT— Discovery Bay to Cailem County 29 Port Townsend Waterwelk 2b Port Townsend Waterwalk Extension ` 3a Port Townsend Loop Trail— Portage 3b Port Townsend Loop Trail — Winona CreekANestside, 4 McCurdy Point Trail 5 Cape George Trail 6 Four Corners — Old Fort Townsend 7 Irondele Trail 8 Cblmecum Trail 9 Lower Hadlock Trail 10 Timberton Loop Trail ii Quilcane Trail 12 Brinnon Trail 13 Teal Lake -Hood Head Trail T ! 14 SR -104 Trail 15 SR-104•Quilcene Trail 16 Quilcene-Brinnon Trail ,1 c 17 Brinnon Blade Point Trail ---- Existing trail ---- Proposed trail Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Multipurpose trails 2" 10-14' vanes c 7_.. 1 O— .—_ — �'— 2' 8-12' 2' Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 if ODT— Forest and Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake 8.5 Lakes Route: State Park south on utility easements, Anderson Lake - forestlands, and County roads to US - Discovery Bay 101 at the south end of Discovery Bay. 1g ODT — Discovery Multipurpose trail from the south end of 9.0 Bay to Clallam Discovery Bay parallel to US -101 and County Old Gardiner Road to Clallam County and the continuation of the ODT to Port Angeles and the Olympic Coast. 2a Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from the Ferry 0.6 Waterwalk Terminal in downtown Port Townsend south along the waterfront to Larry Scott Memorial Trail at the Port. 2b Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from the Ferry 1.4 Waterwalk Terminal and the Gateway to Larry Extension Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 3a Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from Fort Worden 2.7 Loop Trail — State Park south past the Fairgrounds, Portage Blue Heron Middle School, and Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park to Larry Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 3b Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from Fort Worden 3.5 Loop Trail - southwest past the Fairgrounds, North Winona Creek- Beach Drainage Corridor, Levinski Westside Wetland, Winona Wetland, Quimper Wildlife Corridor, and City Entry Park to ODT - Larry Scott Memorial Trail. 4 McCurdy Point Trail Multipurpose trail from Port Townsend 1.7 Winona Creek -Westside Trail west through the Quimper Wildlife Corridor past Tibbals Lake to McCurdyPoint. 5 Cape George Trail Multipurpose trail from ODT - Larry 2.5 Scott Memorial Trail at the Rumage property west to Cape George. 6 Four Corners to Multipurpose trail from ODT at Four 4.2 Old Fort Townsend Corners northeast across Airport property and County roads to Old Fort Townsend State Park and Larry Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 7 Irondale Trail Multipurpose trail from ODT at Four 3.7 Corners along the south boundary of the Airport to Rhody Drive and Irondale Road to Port Hadlock. 8 Chimacum Trail Multipurpose trail from Port Hadlock 3.1 (now the Rick south past Bob Bates Park, west across Tollefson Memorial Chimacum Creek to HJ Carroll Park, Trail) Chimacum School, and the ODT at Anderson Lake State Park. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 9 Lower Hadlock Multipurpose trail from Port Hadlock 0.4 Trail through Wooden Boat School campus restroom services. C and along Lower Hadlock Road to Interpretive signage, parking, and Lower Hadlock waterfront. restroom services. 10 Timberton Loop Multipurpose trail from Port Ludlow 5.0 Trail south to the Olympic Peninsula Visitor restroom services. E Center and back. Interpretive signage, parking, horse 11 Quilcene Trail Multipurpose trail from Quilcene 1.0 Community Center to Quilcene River services. F Park. Interpretive signage, parking, horse 12 Brinnon Trail Multipurpose trail from Brinnon 0.7 Elementary School along Schoolhouse services. G Road, Brinnon Lane, and US -101 Interpretive signage, parking, horse across the Dosewallips River Bridge corral and trailers, and restroom and into Dosewalli s State Park. services. Total miles multipurpose trail 63.2 Existing trailheads A Port of Port Interpretive signage, parking, and Townsend restroom services. Total trailheads 1 Proposed trailheads Signage, parking, bike racks and storage facilities, restrooms, and other trail services may be provided at the following sites. Additional trailheads and trail access sites may be provided at appropriate places along the trail corridors. B Fort Worden State Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. C County Interpretive signage, parking, and Fairgrounds restroom services. D Kah Tai Lagoon Interpretive signage, parking, and Nature Park restroom services. E Cape George Road Interpretive signage, parking, horse corral and trailers, and restroom services. F Four Corners Interpretive signage, parking, horse corral and trailers, and restroom services. G Anderson Lake Interpretive signage, parking, horse State Park corral and trailers, and restroom services. H Gibbs or Beausite Interpretive signage, parking, and Lake County Park restroom services. I Discovery Bay Interpretive signage, parking, and restroom services. J Gardiner Interpretive signage, parking, and Community Club restroom services. K McCurdy Point Interpretive signage, parking, and Access services. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 L Cape George Interpretive signage, parking, and Head Trail Access services. M Airport Cut-off Interpretive signage, parking, and 14 Cross State Trail Road services. N Old Fort Townsend Interpretive signage, parking, and State Park restroom services. O Irondale Park Interpretive signage, parking, and Shine Tidelands State Park. restroom services. P Bob Bates Park Interpretive signage, parking, and Trail Lakes Route and SR -104 Trail south to restroom services. Q H.J. Carroll Park Interpretive signage, parking, and 16 Quilcene-Brinnon Multipurpose trail from Quilcene River restroom services. R Port Ludlow RV Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. S Olympic Peninsula Interpretive signage, parking, and Visitors Center restroom services. T Quilcene River Interpretive signage, parking, and Access restroom services. U Dosewallips State Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. Total trailheads Multipurpose trail — minor systems Proposed trails — minor systems The following trail system may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate trail use opportunities for less volume use compared with the major trails described above. These trail proposals will also be subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow public and forest roads, and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private property where owners approve. 20 13 Teal Lake - Hood Multipurpose trail from Timberton Loop 3.0 Head Trail Trail east past Teal Lake to Bywater Ba /Shine Tidelands State Parks. 14 Cross State Trail Multipurpose trail from ODT Forest and 11.0 connection Lakes Route east past Peterson Lake, Ludlow Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Center to Shine Tidelands State Park. 15 SR -104 - Quilcene Multipurpose trail from ODT Forest and 7.5 Trail Lakes Route and SR -104 Trail south to Quilcene. 16 Quilcene-Brinnon Multipurpose trail from Quilcene River 9.0 Trail Park south past the boat launch and marina on Quilcene Bay, Devils Lake, Mount Walker, the old Stage Coach Route to Jackson Cove, then across US -101 and Dosewallips Road to Brinnon School. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 17 Brinnon -Black Multipurpose trail from Dosewallips 2.0 Point Trail State Park south along US -101 to Pleasant Harbor marinas and Black Point. Total miles multipurpose trail — minor systems 32.5 Proposed trailheads — minor systems Signage, parking, restroom, and other trail services may be provided at the followinq sites as well as other appropriate trail access sites alona the routes. V Shine Tidelands Interpretive signage, parking, and State Park restroom services. W US -101 at Center Interpretive signage, parking, and Road restroom services. X Spencer Creek at Interpretive signage, parking, and US 101 restroom services. Y Brinnon Interpretive signage, parking, and Elementary School restroom services. Total trailheads — minor systems Chapter 9 Plan Elements 0 Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Larry Scott Trail — Port of Port Townsend to Four Corners r a ! { Y J � l ;r �, ,,,� . �'.. �. Forty to LeGMd rpwt, 0—d rsa sMhA4ar SMI Ot.a:hrV qy i!l iigWyYy mMCMew.ea �% WhriRW ®xkfk Fn'w[n, m��WRRw � ura 3rua Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Rick Tollefson Trail — Route Options Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Olympic Discovery Trail — Port Townsend to Sequirn Bay r b n N7� 0 0 M Chapter 9 Plan Elements if E3 0-9119 October 21, 2010 HEARING RECORD Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road PortTownsend, WA 98368 OCT 21 2015 Jefferson County Commissioners JEFFERSON C lel P.O. Box 1220 COM MISSION L --H Port"fovoisend, WA 98368 Re: Response to Administrator Morley's Remarks Regarding a "Split" Trail System for an Eaglemount Bypass Commissioners: After our public comments at the BOCC meeting on October 19th, Mr. Morley suggested it might be possible under the circumstances to split the proposed Eaglemount bypass trail system, building a "single track" over Eaglemount for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, while directing other nonmotorized users to travel south from the LSMT via Four Corners Road, SR 19, Center Road, SR 104 and US 101, "where the asphalt already is." As you know, in my view a County planning project (referred to in the 2010 Transportation Plan as a "feasibility study") for the Eaglemount bypass should address the benefits and burdens of all of the various trail alternatives that have been presented, including but not limited to the "split" Single Track/Center Road alternative suggested by Mr. Morley. For example, a proper planning study could address the benefits and burdens of: • Doing nothing and maintaining the status quo -- as the Public Works Department proposes A single-track bypass over Eaglemount for hikers, equestrians and mountainbikers, and a Four Corners/SR 19/Center Road/SR 104/US 101 bypass for other non -motorized users -- as Mr. Morley suggests • A multipurpose bypass using the shortest and cheapest route, simply following the powerline easements to the extent reasonably possible — the "ODT Utility Route," option #lc in your 2010 Update to the Non - Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Program (relevant pages attached to my letter of this date addressing Commissioner Sullivan's "Transportation" question) • A multipurpose bypass running through the Pope Resources treefarm; Anderson Lake State Park; property owned by the City; on and under SR 20 right of way; and on existing County roads and/or rights of way — an alternative "ODT Utility Route," option #1 d in your 2010 Update • A multipurpose bypass running southeast through ALSP; south through the DNR section; south alongside the BPA powerline easement; then east through LMBT properties to Moa Hill — the "ODT — Forest and Lakes Route," option #1 e in your 2010 Update • A multipurpose bypass on utility easements, forestlands and County roads to US 101 at the south end of Discovery Bay — an alternative "ODT -- Forest and Lakes Route," option #1 f in your 2010 Update • A "phased" approach for each of the above options (or others) so that the most dangerous sections of SR 20 would be dealt with first, and the remaining phases completed over time. A thorough planning study done by a qualified trail planning firm would give the BOCC all the information it would need to make a judgment, for the various alternatives, as to whether the benefits (e.g., protection of life and safety; accessibility for all user groups; limitation of liability; tourism boosts; citizen use and enjoyment; compliance with prior County plans) are outweighed by the burdens (the County's share, if any, of land acquisition costs; the County's share, if any, of design and construction costs not covered by grant funding; diversion of County administrative resources for planning, negotiating, grant funding etc; trail maintenance costs). Once the BOCC is fully informed by a planning study, it could then decide when and how to proceed with a trail — if at all. Maybe Mr. Morley's "split" trail Single Track/Center Road alternative, "where the asphalt already is," will turn out to be best. A feasibility study will tell. My personal opinion is that the Single Track/Center Road is a not a good or safe alternative. Here are my reasons: It entirely excludes important user groups often seen on multipurpose trails, including: o Mobility impaired persons, sometimes using walkers or wheelchairs o Moms with strollers o Fitness walking groups o Small -wheel users such as rollerbladers, skateboarders and rollerskiers o Slow and unsteady cyclists, novice and youth bikers o Families with little "weavers, wobblers and training wheelers" 2 It is hard to imagine anyone in these user groups choosing to walk or roll from the LSMT to SR 19, SR 104 and US 101. • It keeps most people in those user groups from accessing Anderson Lake State Park without a car. • It moves experienced and intrepid non -motorized road users ("road warriors") from SR 20, which has a vehicle count of 2500-5000/day, to SR 19, SR 104 and US 101 which have vehicle counts of 5000-10,000/day. See http.':5rtii-1r_irosdor.tir-a., oi�-"trtcrpsdulcc-7oula:Iraffcnend5" • It moves road warriors onto Four Corners Road and SR 19, which have multiple stretches of very narrow shoulder -- including two sites where bicycle fatalities have already occurred. • It moves road warriors onto long stretches of a SR 19 where a large number of commercial and residential driveways enter or cross the route. • It forces road warriors into two extremely narrow and risky sections (from Four Corners Road to Nesses Corner; and the bridge over Chimacum Creek), and one notoriously dangerous corner (US 101 just east of the intersection with SR 20). • It forces eastbound road warriors to cross US 101 and/or SR 104 twice (once from the ODT to the eastbound lane, then from the eastbound lane to Center Road) • It moves road warriors from a highway with lower speed limits onto highways (SR 104 and US 101) with higher speed limits • It substitutes a longer frightening experience (on Four Corners Road, SR 19, SR 104 and SR 101) for a shorter frightening experience on SR 20 • It substitutes a 17.2 mile road segment for a 6.2 mile road segment, without my stores, restaurants, service stations or other services over the 13.5 miles from Chimicum to Discovery Bay. After the BOCC meeting, I drove the Four Corners/SR 19/Center Road/SR 104/US 101 route and took the enclosed photos. They illustrate dangerous and frightening conditions that only the most experienced non -motorized road users are likely to endure. Walk or ride it yourself and consider whether you would recommend it to your relatives or friends. My personal guess is that most people who can't use the Single Track route, such as wheelchair users, road bikers, cycle tourists, stroller moms, rollerbladers, families with kids with training wheels, etc will mostly opt out of the Center Road alternative They won't choose the longer dangerous route over the shorter dangerous one. So the Single Track/Center Road alternative won't solve the SR 20 problem. 3 A proper planning study will determine whether I'm right or whether Mr. Morley's idea is the best one. Thank you for considering my views on this important issue. / L—L , mac_ Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 cc: Administrator Morley 11 Y '. =. ,i. r h® P '}v yl,� L ; �l \\ �'�\ t� ti r; October 21, 2010 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 HEARING RECORD Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port'fownsend. WA 98368 OrT 11 2015 r;OM1 ISSI NE Re: Response to Commissioner Johnson's Inquiry Whether a Planning Project or Feasibility Study is Needed for an Eaglemount Bypass Trail Commissioners: After our public comments at the BOCC meeting on October 19th, Commissioner Johnson inquired whether, in light of the extensive volunteer work that has already been done, an expensive planning project/feasibility study is needed for an SR 20 Eaglemount bypass. As you know, I have done a lot of work on this project. (Evidence? The 36 page single- space White Paper that I'm about to deliver to you, complete with facts, figures, footnotes and maps.) But I'm a semi -retired attorney with no trail design and engineering experience. I've had the work reviewed by professionals, and understand that it is a solid base for proceeding with a planning/feasibility study, but there is much to be done to reach the point where the BOCC and potential funding sources have all of the information they need to make a well-informed decision about whether to build a multi- million dollar multipurpose bypass trail. I recognize and accept the fact that, under current economic conditions, Jefferson County simply does not have the money to pay for the design and construction of the trail. Much as all of us might want it and wish we could have it, the fact is Jefferson County can't pay for it. There are too many needs and too few dollars. I also believe that you, and everyone who considers this project carefully, recognize the obvious reasons for getting it done: protecting the health and safety of your citizens, bringing the economic benefits of the ODT to your County, carrying -out your carefully crafted Plans, and leaving a legacy of a world-class multipurpose trail for future generations. The most important question is how to pay for it. And that's where a top-quality planning study comes in. There are at least nine stakeholders (in addition to hundreds of individual citizens) who have a major stake in getting this done: 1. The federal government, which has designated the Eaglemount stretch of SR 20 as part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail 2. WSDOT, which has non -motorized users on its steep, twisting, narrow and sometimes shoulderless highway, who could be moved off the highway and onto a mile or so of WSDOT right-of-way along SR 20 3. Jefferson County, which needs to protect the health and safety of its citizens; protect itself from liability; carry out its Comprehensive Plan; bring the ODT's tourism dollars to the community; connect the trails it has already invested in; and leave a world-class legacy for future generations 4. The City of Port Townsend, which will be the eastern terminus of a completed ODT, and whose land may be needed for parts of the trail 5. Washington State Parks, which owns/operates Anderson Lake State Park, through which about a mile of trail will pass 6. Washington DNR, which owns the section south of ALSP over which about a mile of the trail might pass 7. Jefferson PUD #1, which owns land and easements over which parts of the trail might pass 8. Pope Resources, the single largest private landowner in the area over which a bypass trail might pass 9. The Peninsula Trails Coalition, the non-profit entity which has been a major force in the ODT. I have just returned from two days of meetings in Idaho with the PNNST Program Manager (Matt McGrath of the Forest Service) and the PNNST Advisory Council. They agree that this section of the PNT is a very big health and safety problem for people using their trail. They want to work with the Private, Local and State stakeholders to solve it. I have also communicated very recently with your former congressman, Norm Dicks, who is willing to work with the stakeholders and with federal and state officials and legislators to find a solution. Everyone agrees there is a great opportunity to do a really good and beneficial thing by moving the two trail routes off Highway 20. United and coordinated efforts by these stakeholders to solve the problem and complete the bypass trail should result in funding, by tapping federal and state grant -funding resources identified in my White Paper, identifying additional grant -funding sources, utilizing the stakeholders' individual resources where possible (which I recognize are very limited in Jefferson County), perhaps using federal and state legislative processes to bridge funding gaps, and possibly drawing on private funds or donations. But, to move ahead and make this work there has to be a plan. All of the stakeholders need to know exactly what it that needs to be done, who can and should do it (considering 2 their resources), how much it will cost, and when funds will be required. I can tell them my plan, but I don't think that's good enough. A complete and through study by a professional and experienced planner should provide the answers everyone needs. The County is at the center of this and is the key to getting it done. By putting the planning project on its TIP, and funding the planning study, the County will not only develop the information needed for its own decision-making; it will also give the trail proponents and facilitators the information they need to move ahead with the stakeholders and funding sources. Putting the planning project on the TIP and funding it is not the same as funding the trail itself. But the planning project will set the next steps in motion. The returns to the County when the trail is finished (indeed, as it is being built by local contractors like Seaton Construction) will be es its initial investment. Ifall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 cc: Administrator Morley 3 �I ry S:_ i� Hall Bactz 60 Lower Adelina Bcach Road Port Townsend. WA 98368 OCT 212015 JEFFERSON _ jown October 21, 2010 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: Response to Commissioner Johnson's Inquiry Whether a Planning Project or Feasibility Study is Needed for an Eaglemount Bypass Trail Commissioners: After our public comments at the BOCC meeting on October 19th, Commissioner Johnson inquired whether, in light of the extensive volunteer work that has already been done, an expensive planning project/feasibility study is needed for an SR 20 Eaglemount bypass. As you know, I have done a lot of work on this project. (Evidence? The 36 page single- space White Paper that I'm about to deliver to you, complete with facts, figures, footnotes and maps.) But I'm a semi -retired attorney with no trail design and engineering experience. I've had the work reviewed by professionals, and understand that it is a solid base for proceeding with a planning/feasibility study, but there is much to be done to reach the point where the BOCC and potential funding sources have all of the information they need to make a well-informed decision about whether to build a multi- million dollar multipurpose bypass trail. I recognize and accept the fact that, under current economic conditions, Jefferson County simply does not have the money to pay for the design and construction of the trail. Much as all of us might want it and wish we could have it, the fact is Jefferson County can't pay for it. There are too many needs and too few dollars. I also believe that you, and everyone who considers this project carefully, recognize the obvious reasons for getting it done: protecting the health and safety of your citizens, bringing the economic benefits of the ODT to your County, carrying -out your carefully crafted Plans, and leaving a legacy of a world-class multipurpose trail for future generations. The most important question is how to pay for it. And that's where a top-quality planning study comes in. There are at least nine stakeholders (in addition to hundreds of individual citizens) who have a major stake in getting this done: 1. The federal government, which has designated the Eaglemount stretch of SR 20 as part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail 2. WSDOT, which has non -motorized users on its steep, twisting, narrow and sometimes shoulderless highway, who could be moved off the highway and onto a mile or so of WSDOT right-of-way along SR 20 3. Jefferson County, which needs to protect the health and safety of its citizens; protect itself from liability; carry out its Comprehensive Plan; bring the ODT's tourism dollars to the community; connect the trails it has already invested in; and leave a world-class legacy for future generations 4. The City of Port Townsend, which will be the eastern terminus of a completed ODT, and whose land may be needed for parts of the trail 5. Washington State Parks, which owns/operates Anderson Lake State Park, through which about a mile of trail will pass 6. Washington DNR, which owns the section south of ALSP over which about a mile of the trail might pass 7. Jefferson PUD #1, which owns land and easements over which parts of the trail might pass 8. Pone Resources, the single largest private landowner in the area over which a bypass trail might pass 9. The Peninsula Trails Coalition, the non-profit entity which has been a major force in the ODT. I have just returned from two days of meetings in Idaho with the PNNST Program Manager (Matt McGrath of the Forest Service) and the PNNST Advisory Council. They agree that this section of the PNT is a very big health and safety problem for people using their trail. They want to work with the Private, Local and State stakeholders to solve it. I have also communicated very recently with your former congressman, Norm Dicks, who is willing to work with the stakeholders and with federal and state officials and legislators to find a solution. Everyone agrees there is a great opportunity to do a really good and beneficial thing by moving the two trail routes off Highway 20. United and coordinated efforts by these stakeholders to solve the problem and complete the bypass trail should result in funding, by tapping federal and state grant -funding resources identified in my White Paper, identifying additional grant -funding sources, utilizing the stakeholders' individual resources where possible (which I recognize are very limited in Jefferson County), perhaps using federal and state legislative processes to bridge funding gaps, and possibly drawing on private funds or donations. But, to move ahead and make this work there has to be a plan. All of the stakeholders need to know exactly what needs to be done, who can and should do it (considering their 2 resources), how much it will cost, and when funds will be required. 1 can tell them my plan, but I don't think that's good enough. A complete and thorough study by a professional and experienced planner should provide the answers everyone needs. The County is at the center of this and is the key to getting it done. By putting the planning project on its TIP, and funding the planning study, the County will not only develop the information needed for its own decision-making; it will also give the trail proponents and facilitators the information they need to move ahead with the stakeholders and funding sources. Putting the planning project on the TIP and funding it is not the same as funding the trail itself. But the planning project will set the next steps in motion. The returns to the County when the trail is finished (indeed, as it is being built by local contractors like Seaton Construction) will be many times its initial investment. Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 cc: Administrator Morley N.RECORD Port Townsend, WA 98368 October 19, 2015 Jefferson County Commissioners jC7 22 2015 P.O. Box 1220 1820 Jefferson St. f Port Townsend, WA 98368 Subject: Discovery Bay East Trail; part of the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) Dear Sirs, I call your attention to the October 11, 2015 newsletter of the Discovery Bay East Trail'blog'; link below: As an almost eleven -year home -owning tax -paying resident of Jefferson County, I have a strong personal interest in full completion of the Olympic Discovery multi-purpose Trail (ODT), from Port Townsend through to western Washington State. My interests are two -fold: 1. 1 am a frequent bike rider on existing portions of the Larry Scott/Olympic Discovery Trail, and have ridden the SR 20 'Eaglemont Hill' portion of the trail on numerous occasions, in both directions. I tell you in all honesty that I consider this section among the most dangerous 'highways' I have ever ridden, over a 50+ year riding history in the U.S. and Europe. Yet the County effectively endorses this as -'the preferred route'. 2. As a Jefferson County tax -payer, who is in full agreement with the legal caveats presented in Mr. Baetz's referenced 'blog', I believe the County (and therefore its taxpayers!) are at serious financial risk due to inaction by the County Commissioners. We are exposed to potentially disastrous legal expense in the event of a serious riding accident. (Please take the time to read the letter written by a Washington State Patrol Officer regarding this dangerous route. How would you like to hear that note being read into evidence by a plaintiffs attorney at a jury trial?) Properly completed, the Discovery Bay East Trail will become a safe and significant asset to Jefferson County in general, and I believe to Port Townsend in particular, as a beginning/end point of the ODT. Therefore, I urge you to immediately review your required actions to come into compliance with Washington State laws as to a Comprehensive Plan and a Transportation Improvement Plan, and to immediately initiate planning for completion of the Discovery Bay East Trail. Sincerely, Donald B. Crist 110 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 h ttp://d iscoverybaytra i I. blog spot. com/2015_10_01 _archive. html 0-c'. O5"I ll 5 HEARING RECORD EXECUTIVE SUMMARY - DISCOVERY BAY EAST TRAIL The proposed Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET) is a non -motorized multipurpose recreational trail that will connect the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to the ODT at the head of DiWYP265 1. The Discovery Bay East Trail is Needed to Protect Lives and Safes. (pp. 1-4) • Recreational travel from the LSMT to Discovery Bay is extremely dangerous. ,).i • The SR 20 highway shoulder, which is rarely wider than three feet, narrows at times to a few inches, often on steep uphills or downhills, with steel guardrails to the right, cliffs or' $ '' steep drops outside the guardrails, and 50 -mph cars, RV's and trucks to the left. • A Washington State Patrolman has written to the County: "I know firsthand how dangerous it is. For the safety of everyone—both motorists and non-motorists—we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in the County's TIP." • Knowing the danger to its citizens, by law the County has a duty to protect them, and can be liable to them if it does not. 2. The Trail Has Long Been Part of the County's Legally -Mandated Plans Which Cannot Be Disregarded. (pp. 5-10) • The Growth Management Act at RCW 36.70A.070 mandates that the County's Comprehensive Plan include a "pedestrian and bicycle component." • Since 1997 the County's Comprehensive Plan has included a trail bypassing Eaglemount. • Since 2002 the County's Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan has included a bypass, designated as a "Priority Project." • The County's Nonmotorized Plan 2010 Update specifically identified three possible multipurpose recreational trail routes bypassing Eaglemount. • The County's 2002 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan, and its 2015 update, both include an Eaglemount bypass trail. • By law, these plans may not be disregarded by the County o RCW 36.70A.120: The planning activities of a Comprehensive Plan must be performed in conformity with the Plan. o RCW 36.81.121(1): The County's transportation improvement plan shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. o RCW 36.81.122: Bicycle paths, lanes, routes, roadways and improvements must be considered in the TIP. o RCW 36.81.122: After due consideration, the County must provide for a trail if it is "reasonably practicable" to do so. 3. The Trail Will Complete the Trail System In Which the County Has Invested (pp.10-14) • The County has invested millions of dollars in the LMST and the Maynard Trail. • Without the Eaglemount bypass trail, the north and south trail sections in which the County has invested so heavily will be stubs connecting to nothing., 4. The Trail Will Integrate With Other County State and Federal Facilities and Trails (p. 15) • ODT in Clallam County. • Anderson Lake State Park. • The Rick Tollefsen Trail could link to the ODT at Anderson Lake State Park. • Kitsap County's "String of Pearls" trail system and other State trails to the east and south. • The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) and Olympic National Park. Page 2 5. The Trail Will Benefit Jefferson County's Economy (pp. 15-17) • A trail connection would be of great economic benefit to the County and its citizens. • The ODT draws state, national and world travelers. • Trails increase the attractiveness of the area for businesses, employers, and homeowners. • Bicycle riding is #3 in state recreational activities by total expenditures -- $3.1 billion statewide. • The trail will be used by equestrians, walkers, runners, strollers, disabled, PNT hikers. 6. The Trail is Topsgraphically Feasible. (pp. 17-20) • There are multiple workable routes that avoid SR 20. • Ten primary trail routes, plus many additional combinations have been identified. • All of the proposed trails can meet County, State and Federal design standards. • A feasibility study will identify the route that best serves the entire County. 7. Key Land Owners are Willing to Consider Parts of the Trail on Their Properties (pp. 20-22) • Key landowners, recognizing that parts of the trail could be on their land, have requested the County to the include a trail planning study trail on its TIP. (pp. • Pope Resources/Olympic Property Group. • Washington State Department of Transportation. • Jefferson County Public Utility District #1. • Washington State Parks Department. • City of Port Townsend. • Numerous community organizations have joined with the landowners in the request. Peninsula Trails Coalition. • Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Peninsula Chapter. • Pacific Northwest Trails Association. • Port Townsend Bicycle Association. • Port Townsend Paper Company. • Washington Bikes. 8. Numerous Possible Funding Sources for a Planning Study Have Been Identified. (pp. 23-28) • Funding for a study does not have to be secured before a planning project can be included on the TIP. County Engineer: "... many of the projects listed do not, as yet, have secured funding." • A project "must be included on the TIP to be eligible for funding." • There are at least two sources for state funds for trail planning. • There are at least three sources of federal funds for trail planning. 9. There is No Good Reason Not to Include a DBET Planning Project on the TIP. (pp. 28-38) • All of the County's prerequisites for the project have been satisfied. • A planning study will determine whether the Director's reservations are justified. • The Director is mistaken about the kind of trail that has been planned by the County. • A complete planning study can be done by a top planning firm for $75,000. DISCOVERY BAY EAST TRAIL A RECREATIONAL TRAIL BYPASS OF STATE ROUTE 20 FOR THE OLYMPIC DISCOVERY TRAIL AND PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL The proposed Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET) is a non -motorized bicycle/multiuse recreational trail that will connect The Larry Scott Trail, near Adelma Beach on Discovery Bay, to the Discovery Bay South Trail at the head of the Bay. Citizen proponents of the trail, including the Peninsula Trails Coalition, have proposed that a planning study of the trail be included as a project in Jefferson County's 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP). Planning for the proposed trail should be included in the County's TIP because (1) the trail is needed to protect lives and safety; (2) the trail has long been part of the County's legally - mandated plans, which cannot be disregarded; (3) the trail will complete the trail system in which the County has invested; (4) the trail will integrate with other city, county, state and federal trails; (5) the trail will benefit the County's economy; (6) the trail is topographically feasible; (7) key property owners are willing to consider parts of the trail on their properties; (8) multiple potential funding sources for a planning study have been identified and (9) there is no good reason not to include a DBET planning project on the TIP. 1. The Discovery Bay East Trail is Needed to Protect Lives and Safes. Biking, hiking, running, strolling, rollerblading, or horseback riding directly from the end of Port • Townsend's Larry Scott Memorial Trail, at Milo Curry Road, to the Olympic Discovery Trail, at the head of Discovery Bay, is practically impossible. Only one public roadway -- State Route 20 -- runs south from the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to the head of Discovery Bay, seven miles away. Those seven miles of SR 20 are always frightening and sometimes terrifying for bike riders or hikers (and impossible for equestrians). The highway shoulder, which is rarely wider than three feet, narrows at times to a few inches, often on steep uphills or downhills, with steel guardrails to the right, cliffs or steep drops outside the guardrails, and 50 -mph cars, RV's and trucks to the left. Traffic both ways is sometimes heavy, so even the most careful drivers cannot easily veer across the highway's double yellow lines and rumble strips to give bicyclists a wide berth. 0 Page 2 • Yet, this section of SR 20 has been federally designated as link in the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST).' The same section has been identified as the Olympic Discovery Trail's (ODT) connection from the head of Discovery Bay to the Larry Scott Memorial Trail from Port Townsend? And SR 20 over Eaglemount is mapped by the Port Townsend Bicycle Association as its Discovery Bay bike route (with a warning as to its safety).' Why? Because there is no suitable alternate route. The only "alternative" is to walk or ride southeast on Four Comers Road to SR 19, then to Chimacum, then south down Center Road to SR 104, then northwest on the shoulder to US 101 to the head of Discovery Bay. This detour gives little relief from highway travel, however, substituting about eighteen miles for seven, with eight miles of the substitute on even busier highways -- albeit ones with a wider shoulder. SR 20 over Eaglemount has been described as "a terrifying three-mile section of narrow, two-lane road ...," with "... six inches to ride on ... blind corners and cliffs ... couldn't get out of a truck's way ... : 4 The ride is sufficiently dangerous that the Olympic Discovery Trail's website includes the following warning: Warning: Riding on Hwy 20 between Port Townsend and Hwy 101 is very twisty with little to no shoulder and fast moving traffic. It is possible to catch a bus from 4 Corners Road and Hwy 20.5 A poster on Trip Advisor, responding to a question about biking on the Olympic Peninsula, states: • Biking from the Larry Scott trailhead near four corners in Port Townsend to Blynn (east of Sequim) is on the highway. The section from Four Corners to Discovery Bay on highway 20 is extremely dangerous as the shoulder is about 1 foot wide.6 The Washington Department of Transportation says that the average annual daily traffic on this stretch of SR 20 is 2501-5000 vehicles per day.7 Traffic volume is actually higher during the summer and during the day. But even at 24 hour a day average rates, if cyclists take an hour (at seven mph, including the hills) to ride from Four Corners to the head of the Bay, at least a hundred vehicles -- cars, vans, motor homes, 18 -wheelers, logging trucks, etc -- will overtake and pass them, at speeds of up to 50 mph (the speed limit) or more. On the most dangerous parts of the ride -- the Eaglemount hill sections, from Anderson Lake Road and from the head of the Bay (each of which is a little less than two miles long) -- a rider going up at four mph and down at 15 ' (http://www.pntorglfilesl221411238121351PNYI_SecO9.pdf, maps 09-02 and 09-03) 1 http://Www.olympiediscoverytrail.com/trail maps.htmi 3 http://ptbikes.org/wphvp-content/uploads/2014/04/NJC_BikeMapl3_3s.pdf 4https:/hwww.blogger.com/blogger.g?bloglD=8866285302696548381#editor/target post 'http://www.olympicdiscoverytrail.corn/planning_info/bb_bike_trips.ht e http://www.tripadvisor.com/S`howTopic-g143047-i769-k8248486-Olympic_Peninsula_B king_in_May- Olympic National_Park_Washington.html 7 http://www.wsdot.wa.govlmapsdataltoolsltrafctrendsl 0 • • • Page 3 mph (38 minutes total) can expect to be passed 60 or more times. A walker or runner will be in harm's way for even longer on this curvy stretch, where the "shoulders" are sometimes only a few inches wide. Of course, the twisting narrow uphill road over Eaglemount is not unsafe only for hikers, runners and cyclists (and impossible for horsemen, strollers, mobility impaired persons using walkers or wheelchairs, rollerbladers, etc). It is also unsafe for motorists when non -motorized users are present. Drivers trying to avoid recreational users by crossing double yellow lines and rumble strips, or slowing to four mph for cyclists climbing the hills, put both themselves and other vehicles at severe risk. Two Port Townsend residents who were bicycling back to the City via SR 20 described their experience as follows: That was the most terrifying piece of highway I can honestly say I've ever ridden, and I've ridden in New Zealand, Mexico, U.S., Europe ... You've got a bad ditch and you've got the road ... I'm surprised there aren't more accidents and fatalities on this road.... I thought I was going to die. I'm not over -exaggerating, I thought this is, this is, my moment "8 Here's the ditch they were talking about: 8 htip:Ildiscoverybaytrail.blogspot.com/2015/09/watch-this-video-of-two-cyclists-who.html Page 4 • Sergeant John Ryan of the Washington State Patrol, Port Angeles Detachment, wrote to County about this section of SR 20: I understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the new Discovery Bay South Trail near Highway 101 at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to bypass the dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. As a Washington State Patrol sergeant that supervises troopers in Jefferson County, I wholeheartedly support the study and development of such a recreational trail. My troopers regularly patrol SR 20 often observing cars, logging trucks, loaded chip trucks, motorhomes, trucks with trailers, etc, trying to navigate SR20 over Eaglemount while dealing with bicyclers and hikers and oncoming traffic. I myself was assigned to Jefferson County from 1999 to 2003 and patrolled SR 20 often so I know firsthand how dangerous it is. For the safety of everyone—both motorists and non-motorists—we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in the County's TIP. The Port Townsend Paper Company has also written to the County, describing this section of the highway as "dangerous" and explaining how its chip trucks have to follow or pass bicyclers on that section of the highway. Equestrians won't ride it, according to the Backcountry Horsemen. • Most Port Townsend cyclists don't want to take the risk of cycling it, according to the Port Townsend Bicycle Association. Hikers on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail may go hundreds of miles to avoid it, according to two PNNST hikers who were recently "hiked" there. Even Pope Resources -- a property owner whose land might have to be used for parts of a bypass trail -- has said that "it may prove beneficial for public safety if parts of such a trail traversed some portion of Pope Resources Land.i9 Knowing the danger to its citizens, by law the County has a duty to protect them, and can be liable to them if it does not. 10 Jefferson County should therefore include in its 2016 TIP a planning study of a recreational trail to bypass Eaglemount. 9 Copies of all of the emails and letters supporting inclusion of a planning study in the County's TIP are appended to this Memorandum. 0 Kessler, Highway Design Liability In Washington Our Right To Safe Roads. Stritmatter Kessler Whelan Coluccio (April 2010), http://www.stritmatter.com/_pdf/skwe-HighwayDesignLiability.pdf : The law is clear: our street and highway departments have a "duty to provide reasonably safe roads and this duty includes the duty to safeguard against an inherently dangerous or misleading condition." This is "part of the overarching duty to provide reasonably safe roads for the people of this state to drive upon." 0 Page 5 • 2. The Trail Has Long Been Part of the County's Legally -Mandated Plans, Which Cannot Be Disregarded. A. Comprehensive Plan. The Growth Management Act at RCW 36.70A.070 mandates that the County's Comprehensive Plan include in its Transportation Element a "pedestrian and bicycle component" which must "include collaborative efforts to identify and designate planned improvements for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and corridors that address and encourage enhanced community access and promote healthy lifestyles." Jefferson County's current Comprehensive Plan (which is in the process of being updated) now includes, at page 6-4, a corridor and trail extending from Port Townsend to Discovery Bay: The vision for the Larry Scott Memorial Trail is to provide future generations with a safe, non -motorized recreation and transportation corridor connecting Port Townsend with rural Jefferson County. As proposed, the route extends approximately seven miles from the Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven to Four Corners Road. The long-term vision is to extend the trail to Discovery Bay and eventually to points further west.I I This exact same language has been included in the Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan each • year since the current Plan was adopted on August 28, 1998.12 RCW 36.70A.120 mandates that the planning activities and capital budget decisions of a County that has adopted a Comprehensive Plan be performed in conformity with the Plan: Each county and city that is required or chooses to plan under RCW 36.70A.040 shall perform its activities and make capital budget decisions in conformity with its comprehensive plan. Therefore, in conformity with the Comprehensive Plan, the County must take action to at least study the proposed trail. Jefferson County acknowledges that its Comprehensive Plan was designed to guide its officials in decision-making.: The Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan is a decision-making tool for officials and citizens in guiding future growth and development in Jefferson County on a 20 -year planning horizon. It provides the community vision, goals and policy basis for the regulatory requirements of the Jefferson County Code, including Title 18 the Unified Development Code, as well as capital facilities improvements, and other County endeavors. 13 n http://www.cojefferson.wa.uslcommdevelopmenticomplanpdfsl2014%2OComp%2OPlanIChapter%206.pdf • 12http://test.cojefferson.wa.uslWeblinkExternal/0/doc/346637IPagel.aspx 13 http://Www.co jefferson.wa.us/commdevelopmenticompplangeneral.him Page 6 • The effectiveness the Plan is dependent on those who are supposed to implement it. Accordingly, Jefferson County's officials should now take action to study the feasibility of the Discovery Bay East Trail. B. Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan. In 2002, Jefferson County included in its Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan the Olympic Discovery Trail from Four Corners over Eaglemount and around Discovery Bay to Clallam County, designating it as a "Priority Project." 14 The Plan was updated in 2010, and included the following language under the heading 8.1 Multipurpose trails 5: c. Develop multipurpose trail systems that connect to major destinations across county and state jurisdictional lines, such as the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail. h. Develop multipurpose trails as separate improvements within a shared road or former railroad right-of-way alignment, such as the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) within the former right-of-way of the Seattle & North Coast Railroad (S&NCRR), to the extent amenable to adjoining property owners and as necessary to complete access. i. Locate multipurpose trails as separate improvements within easements across • public and private lands, such as extending the Olympic Discovery Trail across Department of Natural Resources and Pope Resources timberlands and Department of Fish and Wildlife shoreline properties, where private property owners are in agreement and environmental affects [sic] are addressed. The Plan as updated in 2010 also included the following description of multipurpose trails16: Multipurpose trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features throughout Jefferson County and with adjacent jurisdictions. Generally, multipurpose trails may be developed to provide for one or more modes of recreational and commuter travel including hiking, biking, equestrian, and other non -motorized trail uses where appropriate. 74 http://www.cojefferson.wa.uslpublieworks/active_ transport. asp#NMTplan "htW:l www.co.iefferson.wa.us/publicworks/vdf/Non- Motorized'olo20Plan/2010Final/8%2OGoals%20&%200biectives.odf The Jefferson County website links to this page at hqp://www.co.iefferson.wa.us/publicworks/active transport.asp#NMTplan c htto://www. ca ielferson.wa.us/publicworks/f/Non- Motorized%20Plan/2010Final/8%2OGoals%20&%200biectives.pdf The Jefferson County website links to this page • at http://www.co.iefferson.wa.us/publicworks/active transport.asp#NMTpl • Page 7 To the extent possible, multipurpose trails may be developed within corridors separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, multipurpose trails may be located on former railroad alignments, utility easements or in separate property alignments. In some instances, the trail may be developed as an improvement within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors. Typically, multipurpose trails may be developed in accordance with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. Multipurpose trails may provide 2 -way travel on asphalt, very fine crushed rock, compact dirt, or other base of varying widths. The trails may be usable by all age and skill groups, and handicap accessible. The Update described "feasibility studies" of proposed trails: Proposed trails The following trail systems may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate non -motorized trail use opportunities within the area subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, public road, and utility right- of-way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private property where owners approve. [Italics in original; underlining added] • The Update then specifically identified four possible routes for a "multipurpose" trail from Four Comers Road to Discovery Bay: lc ODT — Utility Route: Four Corners to Anderson Lake Road -- Multipurpose trail from Four Corners south on utility easements parallel to SR -20 to Anderson Lake Road. Id ODT —Utility Route: Anderson Lake Road to Discovery Bay -- Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake Road on optional routes to Fairmount Road, the south end of Discovery Bay, and US -101. Optional routes include utility easements and old railroad grade. le ODT— Forest and Lakes Route: Four Corners -Anderson Lake State Park -- Multipurpose trail from Four Corners south on utility easements and across forestland to Anderson Lake State Park. If ODT — Forest and Lakes Route: Anderson Lake — Discovery Bay — Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake State Park south on utility easements, forestlands, and County roads to US -101 at the south end of Discovery Bay. However, notwithstanding the identification of these trail routes as part of the County's long-term "Priority Project," the project has not been moved forward. The County must now act in • accordance with its Updated Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan and proceed with planning for the trail. Page 8 • C. Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan. In 2002, the Jefferson County Commissioners adopted the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan. t' That Plan included the following provisions: Trail systems a: Create a comprehensive system of multipurpose off-road trails using alignments through former MSP&P Railroad, Pope Resources, WSDOT, DNR, and USFS landholdings as well as cooperating private properties where appropriate. b: Create a comprehensive system of on -road bicycle routes for commuter, recreational, and touring enthusiasts using scenic, collector, and local road rights-of- way and alignments throughout Port Townsend and Jefferson County, and between Jefferson, Clallam, and Kitsap Counties. The 2015 Update's of the Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan states at page 82: The Olympic Discovery Trail will extend from the end of the Larry Scott Trail at • Four Corners on SR 20 around the southern end of Discovery Bay to Clallam County. In 2010 Jefferson County initiated development of the Olympic Discovery Trail / Discovery Bay estuary connection on the abandoned railroad grade which develops a route connection around the southern end of Discovery Bay. In 2014 Jefferson County applied for grant funding from the RCO under the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) for matching funds appropriated by the 2015 Legislature in their capital budget. Trail advocates have taken the lead on planning a back country segment from Four Corners through Anderson Lake State Park to Discovery Bay. This trail uses existing utility easement, logging roads and constructed trails. 19 Yet now, seventeen} ears after the extension of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to Discovery Bay was first included in the Comprehensive Plan, thirteen years after it was listed as a "Priority Project" in the County's Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan, and thirteen years after it was included in the County's Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan, the Discovery Bay East Trail segment has still not been included in the County's TIP. The 2015-2020 TIP, adopted by the County Commissioners on September 14, 2014, included projects for the ODT n http:lAvww.co.jefferson.wa.uslcommdevelopmentlparks_plan.htm " http://www.countyrec.com/forms/608lfna1_draftjefferson_co�ros_062915fenal.pdf • Page 9 • north and south segments connection, but nothing for the Discovery Bay East Trail to which the north and south sections will connect 20 The Public Works Department draft 2016-2021 TIP is the same. D. Transportation Improvement Plan Under RCW 36.81.121, if a county has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to the Growth Management Act -- as Jefferson County has -- the legislative authority of the county, after one or more public hearings thereon, must prepare and adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years, which shall be consistent with the county's Comprehensive Plan21: (1) At any time before adoption of the budget, the legislative authority of each county, after one or more public hearings thereon, shall prepare and adopt a comprehensive transportation program for the ensuing six calendar years. If the county has adopted a comprehensive plan pursuant to chapter 35.63 or 36.70 RCW, the inherent authority of a charter county derived from its charter, or chapter 36.70A RCW, the program shall be consistent with this comprehensive plan. [Emphasis added.] • Subsection (1) of the statute also provides: .... The program shall include any new or enhanced bicycle or pedestrian facilities identified pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(6) or other applicable changes that promote nonmotorized transit. Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan has long included a new pedestrian and bicycle facility extending from the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail "to Discovery Bay and eventually to points further west."22 In 2010, pursuant to RCW 36.70A.070(6)23, in its update to its Non - Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan'24 the County specifically identified and described four alternatives for new bicycle and pedestrian facilities from the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to Discovery Bay. The 2010 update was adopted as part of the County's Comprehensive Plan.25 The update included detailed multipurpose 10 htrp://www.co jefferson.wa.uslpublicworks/pdf/6-yr%20TIP%a20-%20project%201ist%a2Ospreadsheet%20only.pdf 2' http://apps.leg.wa.govlrcwldefault.aspx?cite=36.81.121 22 http://Www.co jefferson.wa.uslcommdevelopmenticomplanpdfs/1014%2OComp%20PIanIChapter%206.pdf 23 Section (6) requires a "transportation element" which includes as a "sub element" a "Pedestrian and bicycle component to include collaborative efforts to identify and designate planned improvements for pedestrian and bicycle facilities and corridors that address and encourage enhanced community access and promote healthy lifestyles." Jefferson County's Comprehensive Plan includes that sub element in Chapter 6. • 24 http://www.co.jePerson wa us/nublicworks/active transport asp#NMTplan 23http://www.co.iefferson.wa.us/publicworks/pd{/Non-Motorized'o20Plan/2010FInal/Resolution 18-10 Page 10 recreational trail maps, drawings and plans for the three alternative Eaglemount bypasses 26 RCW • 36.81.12 1(1) mandates that the County "shall include" those pedestrian and bicycle facilities on its TIP. In addition, RCW 36.81.122 requires consideration of bicycle paths, lanes, routes, roadways and improvements to be included in the County's annual six-year comprehensive transportation program: The annual revision and extension of comprehensive road programs pursuant to RCW 36.81.121 shall include consideration of and, wherever reasonably practicable, provisions for bicycle oaths, lanes, routes, and roadways: PROVIDED, That no provision need be made for such a path, lane, route, or roadway where the cost of establishing it would be excessively disproportionate to the need or probable use. Under this Code section, the County's 2016-2021 TIP must include consideration of the proposed ODT extension described in the County's Plans (as opposed to making "provisions for" the route, which is only required if after study it is determined to be "reasonably practicable"). As a matter of law, the County has a duty to consider the trail. After due consideration, the County must provide for the trail if it is "reasonably practicable" to do so. Simply put: The County has to consider the DBET on its TIP and, after considering it, decide whether it is reasonably practicable to provide for it. • 3. The Trail Will Complete the Trail System In Which the County Has Invested. Working with the City of Port Townsend, WSDOT and the Peninsula Trails Coalition, and many others, three years ago the County completed the beautiful Larry Scott Memorial Trail. 2e htW-lAvww ca iefferson wa us/publicworksIdf/Non- Motorized%20Planl2010FinaII9.1 %20MultiPurpose%20Trails. odf. • • • 0 Page 11 The County's Park and Recreation Department map shows the Larry Scott Trail linking to the Olympic Discovery Trail, running through Anderson Lake State Park: Larry Scott & Olympic .� Coupevillel Discovery Trails,. Keystone Ferry Dock Boatyard Larry (ape George 1- y Scott Trailhead ra' hea � 1 r t •. �. Pert Town5rrM 8ny 1 8 q ? $yr fort JownsnN Sw• P&k •% ` Ilo-Curry • N,c+..,ra I ' ,It railhea t � 9 — POP- Finished Trail fa, may, UndeRconstrudlpn O s } ♦ on Roadway gAnderson Lake Proposed Route I State Park f+ 8 (currently undefined) ♦,�Ccwgle Page 12 The County's 2015-2020 TIP included as project #33 an ODT trail extension on the north side of • Discovery Road to SR 20: Discovery Bay - Four Comers Area 133'500W � 4 SY[lr •N n5 8 Wh64yKd l L Y S Y a 6 nlartln qtl ` 4a�9�cway i 44 J a l�'i�19:.�' war [egelM y � 'z 21. Smth Di swvery Road Pam ement Pre50'vatim smth 33.ODT-Milo C=y Rd. Discovery to Foul Comex In anticipation of the ODT trail extension, the new Jefferson County Transit Center at the northeast corner of the intersection of SR 20 and Four Corners Road has constructed aprons on its driveway that will fit with the new trail. So the north end of the Eaglemount bypass is about ready to go. • 0 • • • Page 13 The County also included on its 2015-2020 TIP, four projects for the south end of the Eaglemount bypass: Discovery Bay - SR 20 & US 101 16. South Discovery BaV Segments A ` Il &B -Planning 25. ODT South Discovery Bay emnent A Phas Discovers/ Sat/ Td. ODT South Discovery Bay - e ent A Phase ODT B Page 14 This new southern section will connect with the Olympic Discovery Trail on Old Gardiner Road on the west side of Discovery Bay: Figural Olympic DlScp gTmll �'�r ar w,gycn The cost stated on the 2015 TIP for the planned north ODT trail connection (#33), along Discovery Road, is $611,500. The total cost stated on the 2015 TIP for the four south sections (#'s 16, 24, 25 and 26) is $2,237,077.27 Thus, the County's total investment in these two trail sections will be more than $2,845,000. But without the Eaglemount bypass trail, the north and south sections in which the County is investing so heavilv will be connectins to nothing. It would make no sense to build these two sections of the ODT as stubs, leaving undone the trail over Eaglemount to which they have been designed to connect. • 27http://www.cojejferson.wa.uslpublicworkslpdf/6yr%2OTIP%20-%20project%201ist%20spreadsheet%20onlypdf • 0o a aga.gg (za) Y RWExo o ..I�_ NEW SECTION PRELIMINARY DESIGN (30%) \ SEGME SEGMENTS NTA __--_ RNAL O OPTION (PS&E)S&E) • \ I 446+75(101) l NEW SECTION (PSSE) _ I gI � aH ✓ •PI \ASE1' NICMWAY /% \� OI \PT - k \ rRAll � HASE 1 � � -____—__'�_�— PNASE2 � :r Figural Olympic DlScp gTmll �'�r ar w,gycn The cost stated on the 2015 TIP for the planned north ODT trail connection (#33), along Discovery Road, is $611,500. The total cost stated on the 2015 TIP for the four south sections (#'s 16, 24, 25 and 26) is $2,237,077.27 Thus, the County's total investment in these two trail sections will be more than $2,845,000. But without the Eaglemount bypass trail, the north and south sections in which the County is investing so heavilv will be connectins to nothing. It would make no sense to build these two sections of the ODT as stubs, leaving undone the trail over Eaglemount to which they have been designed to connect. • 27http://www.cojejferson.wa.uslpublicworkslpdf/6yr%2OTIP%20-%20project%201ist%20spreadsheet%20onlypdf • • Page 15 4. The Trail Will Integrate With Other City, County. State and Federal Trails. Jefferson County's Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan Update 2015 describes its plans for the Rick Tollefsen Trail between Hadlock and H.J. Carroll Park.28 Once an Eaglemount bypass is completed, the Rick Tollefsen Trail could link to the Olympic Discovery Trail at Anderson Lake State Park. Several of the proposed routes for the bypass run through Anderson Lake State Park — an excellent park for hikers, horseback riders, bicyclists, strollers, and joggers, with 8 miles of hiking trails, 7 miles of bike trails and 5 miles of equestrian trails 29 The Discovery Bay East Trail could also connect to trails, now in the conceptual stage, from the Hood Canal Bridge which in turn could connect to Kitsap County's "String of Pearls" trail system and on to other State trails to the east and south .30 Finally, as pointed out above, an Eaglemount bypass would also be part of the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNNST), which currently runs on SR 20 from Whidbey Island via the Port Townsend ferry. That means that the trail would connect to the northern tier of the Pacific • Northwest states, and south via West Uncas Road and Salmon Creek Road to the Olympic National Park. The missing piece of this linked set of trails and parks is the Eaglemount bypass itself. Clearly, in order to move ahead with this vision, the Discovery Bay East Trail needs to be listed on the County's 2016-2021 TIP. 5. The Trail Will Benefit Jefferson County's Economy. A letter to the County from Washington Bikes points out, a trail connection between the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and the rest of the Olympic Discovery Trail would be of great economic benefit to the County and its citizens 31 Washington has some of the most notable trails in the country. The Olympic Discovery Trail is a gem that gets more brilliant with each new facet, drawing both in-state travel from all corners of Washington and travelers from around the nation and around the world. Many people organize vacations around trail use and will travel to experience new trails. The longer the trail, the greater its power as a zahttp:/hvww.coazntyrec.com/forms/6081_fzna1_draftJefferson_co pros_062915fenalpd. 79 http:lAvww.parks.wa.gov/240/Anderson-Lake 30 http://wshg.net/featuredl2015-05-14/port-gambles-kitsap forest -and -bay project/ • 31 The Washington Bikes letter to the County is attached, with the other support letters, at the end of this memorandum. Page 16 • tourism draw. Trails also increase the attractiveness of the area for prospective businesses, employers, and homeowners. In a study for the National Association of REALTORS, trails were the second most important feature contributing to home value. In 2012, referring to the Larry Scott Memorial Trail the director of the Jeffersion County Public Works department said: "The trail project is such a great investment for the community," said Monte Reinders, county engineer. "From the beginning, the trail was a cooperative venture between the city, the port and Jefferson County, as well as residents and businesses."32 Certainly, a connection of the LSMT to the ODT will enhance that investment. An Adventure Cycling Association article describing the immense economic benefits communities that are connected by recreational trails. 33 The Article is entitled When Washington Bikes, It Brings Billions of Bucks. As reported in one of the studies cited in the Article: • Bicycle riding is #3 in recreational activities by total expenditures in Washington state with over $3.1 billion spent statewide. Bicycle riding comes in as the fourth biggest recreational activity by measuring the • total number of participant days occurring in Washington state. • As compared to many activities where equipment purchases provide the significant economic impact to their activity, bicycle riders' trip -related expenditures account for a whopping 96% of the economic impact of bicycling. This means that bicyclists like to contribute to local economies via shopping, lodgings, and eating. It underscores that bicyclists are "wallets on wheels." These statistics are only for bicyclists. A new recreational trail would also be used by equestrians, hikers (including those hiking the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail — the newest trail in the federal scenic trails system), mobility -impaired person, runners, strollers and other non -motorized users. The PNNST now runs from the ferry dock in Port Townsend, via SR 20(!) to West Uncas Road at the head of Discovery Bay. As two PNNST hikers recently explained in a video after they took the risky walk over Eaglemount on Highway 20 -- the economic potential for this area from the " http: /hvww.ptleader. com/newsl7ast-section-of-larry-scott-memorial-trail-is fundedlarticle_l cOeOd8c-5743-5I5e- 85ab-c41J295a9436.html 33 http://www.adventurecycling.orglresourceslbtogAvhen-washington-bikes-it-brings-billions-of-bucks part-U(part 1); http://www.adventurecycling.org/resources/blog/when-washington-bikes-it-brings-billions-of-buckspart-2/(part Page 17 • PNNST is in jeopardy because it is not yet safely linked to the Olympic National Park: Any section along this trail [the PNNST in Washington) if it gets known as a bad section, people will go hundreds of miles out of their way to avoid it. Even when it is fixed, they won't know. And once ... people think its bad, like road walking or bushwhacking, it'll take years for it to come back, and it will affect the economy along that section. 34 So, it would be good for the economy of Jefferson County to include the bypass trail in its TIP. 6. The Trail is Topographically Feasible. Development of an Eaglemount bypass may have been delayed because of concerns about the topography of the area. But topography is not a major problem for a bypass. There are multiple workable Discovery Bay East Trail routes that avoid SR 20. Ten primary trail routes, plus many additional combinations or variations of these routes, have been identified and mapped. All of them can be engineered to meet County, State and Federal design standards. For example, a route could run from the Larry Scott Trailhead, cast along Discovery Road and Four Corners Road, south on Jefferson PUD #I property, then southeast across Pope Resources property to Anderson Lake State Park, south through the Park to Anderson Lake Road, west along Anderson Lake . Road, south on the JPUD easement, across Pope Resources and City properties to Eaglemount Road, then south using State and County roads and right-of-ways to the head of Discovery Bay. Here is a map of this possible route: 3' http: //discoverybaytrail. blogspot. com/20]5/09/the-discovery-bay-east-trail-will-be. html Page 18 • A full size copy of the Map is attached to this memorandum. An electronic version can be viewed at http://arcg.is/l isyUiC. The electronic version includes layers showing the proposed trail, some of the property owners and easements, elevations and grades, topography, satellite imagery, and the USGS topo map. This route would be excellent for the Eaglemount bypass because among other things it would be: • Away from SR 20 all the way to Eaglemount Road and then again at Fairmount Road • Mostly quiet and pleasant for pedestrians, equestrians, cyclists and others seeking a tranquil and varied trail experience • A good arterial to more specialized trails for horsemen, mountain bikers and hikers • Only occasionally under powerlines • A direct connection to Anderson Lake State Park • Able to connect to Rick Tollefsen Trail, HJ Carroll Park, Olympic National Park, and the Tri -Area and Port Ludlow • Compliant with County, State and Federal design and grade requirements • • A relatively direct route for non -motorized tour groups, through -hikers on the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail, and through -cyclists • A route with some stunning views of Discovery Bay. Here is an example: 0 • Page 19 Here is a map showing a feasibility -study corridor and four more possible routes: 9 SRto I Fal m ffl ...... An on Lake I Fairmount Anderson Lake I Waterline I South Plateau NWAY l Moa Rill , i , I r ; y, 9 Page 20 An electronic version of this map can be viewed at http://arce.is/lOsZitU. A full size copy of the • Map is attached to this memorandum. Each of the possible routes on these maps has its own advantages and disadvantages. A feasibility study will identify the one that best serves the entire community. The County should now include such a feasibility study of these routes, and other possible routes, on its TIP. 7. The Key Property Owners are Willing to Consider Parts of the Trail on Their Properties. The following have supported the request that Jefferson County include in its TIP a feasibility study for a multipurpose recreational trail which will safely link the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to the Olympic Discovery Trail. (The entities marked with an asterisk (*) are property owners over whose land the trail could pass.) Copies of their communications to the County are attached to this memorandum. • Pope Resources/Olympic Property Group * • Washington State Department of Transportation* • Jefferson County Public Utility District #1* • Washington State Parks Department* • City of Port Townsend* • • Peninsula Trails Coalition • Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Peninsula Chapter • Pacific Northwest Trails Association • Port Townsend Bicycle Association • Port Townsend Paper Company • Washington Bikes • Washington State Patrol, Port Angeles Detachment In the past it could have been perceived that complex property ownerships in the area might prevent development of a bypass trail. That is no longer a problem — if it ever was. On the next page is a map showing property owners in the area between Four Comers Road and Highway 101 where a bypass trail might run: 0 • • • Page 21 Pope Resources ❑ Y •.\ • - i City ❑ \ I JPUD DNR r Misc. Owners RightsoLWay e SR20I Fairmount - } /- Anderson Lake I Fairmount - • - - L� Anderson Lake I Waterline I South Plateau %I Delanty I Moa Hill r Y i'j l An updated electronic copy of this map can be viewed at htto://arcg.is/1JsPGUe . A full size copy of the updated Map is attached to this memorandum. Page 22 Most of the identified routes would pass over parts of properties owned by Pope Resources, Jefferson County PUD#1, the City of Port Townsend, Washington State Department of Transportation, and the Washington State Parks Department. All of these owners have indicated that they are willing to consider parts of the bypass trail being on their property. (An employee of the State Parks Department has orally indicated a letter to that effect to the County is forthcoming.) Importantly, Pope Resources — the largest property owner in the affected area — sent this letter to the County: September 19, 2015 rw a........ c...... Monte Reinders, PE Public Works Director/County Engineer Jefferson County Department of Public Works 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: Support to include Feasibility Study for Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET) section of Olympic Discovery Trail in 2016 Jefferson, County TIP Dear Mr. Reinders: • Pope Resources and Olympic Resource Management generally support a multi -use non - motorized and recreational trail connecting the existing Larry Scott Trail to the South Discovery Bay Trail, so as to complete this part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. We recognize that because of existing conditions and constrictions along SR 20, as well as topographical and land ownership considerations; it may prove beneficial for public safety if parts of such a trail traversed some portion of Pope Resources land. We have recently received, from a proponent for the trail, email communications and a Map describing conceptual mule ideas for what they call the "Discovery Bay Past Trail (DBET)" We have also mel with trail proponents to discuss this. Based an our preliminary analysis, we are supportive of Jefferson County completing a Feasibility Study of a trail in this location and support the inclusion of that project in the 2016 Jefferson County TIP. We anticipate additional company review of the proposed trail location during the Feasibility Study, as well as additional negotiations if both the County and Pope Resources agree to move forward. We look forward to working with the County and the other interested parties on this important project. Sincerel Jo 0 Vice President — Real Estate, Pope Resources President, Olympic Property Group, a Pope Resources Company cc H7all�lrBraaetz 1NIl® 'NPo 0Gmu 19950Th E,5ui0to j'J IJy Poulsbo WA 98370 1" .w.n.0 UCA) 697-626. N.: (360) 697-1156 In summary, property ownership is not an impediment to including this project on the TIP. 40 • Page 23 8. Numerous Funding Sources for a Planning Study Have Been Identified. As explained in section 2, above, under the Growth Management Act and the TIP statute, Jefferson County is required to consider bicycle paths, lanes, routes, and roadways in its annual revision and extension of comprehensive road programs. 35 The County cannot avoid this duty by asserting that it does not wish to pay for a planning study by a third party. If it cannot, or will not, pay for a third -party study, the County must conduct the study itself. If, however, the County nevertheless declines to pay a third party in full to conduct a study, and declines to do the study itself, other funding alternatives exist — as described below. It should be noted at this point that funding for a study does not have to be secured before a planning project can be included on the TIP. As stated by the County Engineer in his letter of introduction at page one of Jefferson County's 2015-2020 TIP (and on all of the Jefferson County TIPS in the last four years) 36: The TIP is strongly influenced by the availability of funding, and many of the projects listed do not, as yet, have secured funding. Furthermore, as the County Engineer points out in his letter of introduction, a project must be included on the TIP to be eligible for funding: • As a result, some of the projects in the TIP may not be completed within six years; however, they must be included on the TIP to be eligible for funding. Accordingly, the DBET project should be included on this year's TIP so that the following sources of funding can be pursued. 1. State Funding There are at least two sources for state funds for trail planning: a. Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) /NOVA State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) fundin§, which was recently obtained for planning of the Discovery Bay Estuary Trail Connection 7, should provide a grant for DBET planning. The most likely source of an RCO grant is the Non -highway and Off -Road Vehicle Activities38 (NOVA) program. The NOVA statute, RCW 46.09.510 -.530, amended effective " RCW 36.81.122. No provision need be made for such a path, lane, route, or roadway where the cost of establishing it would be excessively disproportionate to the need for or probable use of the bicycle/recreational trail. Id. 362015-2020TIP,p.1 http://www.cojefferson.wa.us/publicworks/pdf/2015-2020%106yr%20TIP%20packagepdf • 37http✓/Www.co.jefferson.wa.uslpublicworkslpdf%IIP/2013-20181TIP.pdf p.34 36 http✓/wdf v.wa.gov/grants/nova/ Page 24 • July 1, 2015, created the "nonhighway and off-road vehicle activities program account" and identified the recreation and conservation funding board (the Board) as the administrator of the funds in the account. The statute identifies the source of the funds in the account as an at least annual refund of one percent of motor vehicle fuel tax revenues. Distribution of the funds in the account is 36% to the department of natural resources (DNR); 3.5% to the department of fish and wildlife (DFW); 2% to the parks and recreation commission (PRC), and 58.5% to the Board itself. The uses to be made of the funds by the four agencies differ slightly: • The DNR's funds are to be used "... solely for acquisition, planning, development, maintenance, and management of ORV, nonmotorized, and nonhighway road recreation facilities, and information programs and maintenance of nonhighway roads." • The DF W's funds are to be used "... solely for the acquisition, planning, development, maintenance, and management of ORV, nonmotorized, and nonhighway road recreation facilities and the maintenance of nonhighway roads." • The PRC's funds are to be used "solely for the acquisition, planning, development, maintenance, and management of ORV, nonmotorized, and nonhighway road recreation facilities." • The Board's funds are to be used "... for planning, acquisition, development, • maintenance, and management of ORV, nonmotorized, and nonhighway road recreation facilities and for education, information, and law enforcement programs." The use -of -funds provisions all have the following language in common, however: the allocated funds are to be used for, among other things, "planning ... of ... nonmotorized ... recreation facilities ...." The words "nonmotorized recreational facilities" are defined by RCW 46.09.310(11): "Nonmotorized recreational facilities" means recreational trails and facilities that are adjacent to, or accessed by, a nonhighway road and intended primarily for nonmotorized recreational users. The words "nonhighway road" are defined by RCW 46.09.310(7): "Nonhighway road" means any road owned or managed by a public agency, a primitive road, or any private road for which the owner has granted an easement for public use for which appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used for (a) original construction or reconstruction in the last twenty-five years; or (b) maintenance in the last four years. The words "nonmotorized recreational user" are defined by RCW 46.09.310(12): 0 Page 25 • (12) "Nonmotorized recreational user" means a person whose purpose for consuming fuel on a nonhighway road or off-road is primarily for nonmotorized recreational purposes including, but not limited to, walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and pack animal activities. The net result of these provisions and definitions is that the DNR, DFW, PRC, and Board are required to use their distributed recreation and conservation funds for, among other things: ... planning39 ... recreational trails and facilities 40 that are ... accessed by... any road owned or managed by a public agency ... for which appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used (a) for original construction or reconstruction in the last twenty-five years; or (b) maintenance in the last four years41 ; ... and intended primarily for ... a person whose purpose for consuming fuel on a nonhighway road or off-road is primarily for nonmotorized recreational purposes including, but not limited to, walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing mountain biking, horseback riding, and pack animal activities.42 In (perhaps) plainer language: The four agencies must use their funds for, among other things, planning recreational trails that are (1) accessed by any road owned by a public agency for which appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used for original construction or • reconstruction in the last twenty-five years or maintenance in the last four years; and (2) intended primarily for persons whose purpose for consuming fuel on the access road is primarily for nonmotorized recreational purposes such as walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and pack animal activities. Under the NOVA statute, there are two key questions: • Will the proposed trail be accessed by any road owned by a public agency for which appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used for original construction or reconstruction in the last twenty-five years, or maintenance in the last four years? • Is the proposed recreational trail intended primarily for persons whose purpose for consuming fuel on the access road is primarily for nonmotorized recreational purposes . such as walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and pack animal activities? If the answers to both questions are "yes," trail planning (and, later, trail development) should qualify for NOVA funding. "RCW 46.09.520(2)((a) -(d) 40 RCW 46.09.3 10 (11)(defining "nonmotorized recreational facilities") • 41 RCW 46.09.310 (7)(defining "nonhighway road") 41 RCW 46.09.310(12) (defining "nonmotorized recreational user") Page 26 As to the first question, the answer depends, (a) on exactly how trail access will be accomplished; and (b) whether or not that access is via any road owned by a public agency for which appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used for original construction or reconstruction in the last twenty-five years, or maintenance in the last four years. The DBET trail proponents anticipate that trail access will be from three points: the Maynard/ODT from the south; the LSMT/ODT (or a short road with parking on the JPUD property) from the north; and Anderson Lake State Park in the center. For NOVA grant purposes, all three should qualify. On the north and south there are short roads (no matter how short), owned by the County, which access the parking areas and/or the trail itself. If appropriations from the motor vehicle fund were not used for original construction or reconstruction of those roads in the last twenty-five years, or maintenance in the last four years, they should serve as permitted access under the NOVA statute. What appears to be a very short road from Milo Curry Road to the trail parking area may not have been constructed with appropriations from the motor vehicle fund. On the south, there is apparently a "stub" road to the ODT that has already qualified the Maynard section of the trail for NOVA funding. And, in any event, in the center, the Anderson Lake State Park access road has existed for more than 25 years, and presumably it is not maintained with appropriations from the motor vehicle fund. If that is the case, ALSP alone should support NOVA funding, since the statute permits funding if the trail is "accessed by aM road owned by a public agency...." [Emphasis added.] As to the second question, the answer is obviously yes; the proposed recreational trail is intended • primarily for persons whose purpose for consuming fuel on the access road is primarily for nonmotorized recreational purposes such as walking, hiking, backpacking, climbing, cross- country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and pack animal activities. Perhaps someone could argue that the trail is also for "transportation" purposes, but certainly that is not its primary purpose. Conclusion: there are good reasons to expect that NOVA funding will be available for planning the Discovery Bay East Trail -- certainly good enough to satisfy the County's need for a funding source for its TIP. Administration and distribution of NOVA funds is governed by RCW 46.09.530(1). That subsection requires the Board to distribute the funds at least once a year to "state agencies, counties, municipalities, federal agencies, nonprofit off-road vehicle organizations, and Indian tribes." The Board must determine the amount of money distributed to each applicant 43 43 Note for future reference in the development phase — as opposed to the planning phase -- of the project: the same subsection requires agencies receiving funds under this chapter for capital purposes to consider the possibility of contracting with the state parks and recreation commission, the department of natural resources, or other federal, state, and local agencies to employ the youth development and conservation corps or other youth crews in completing the project. A future grant application might include this language and propose the employment of Jefferson County • "youth crews" in completing the project. • Page 27 The Board has adopted rules goveminf applications for funds administered by the recreation and conservation office under the statute. According to those rules, to be eligible for grant consideration under this chapter, applicants must complete a plan which at a minimum must include (1) a statement of the applicant's long-range goals and objectives; (2) an inventory; (3) an analysis of demand and need, that is, why actions are required; (4) a description of how the planning process gave the public ample opportunity to be involved in development of the plan; (5) a current capital improvement program of at least six years; and (6) evidence that this Van has been approved by the applicant's governing entity most appropriate to the plan's scope. s b. Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program A second source of state funding is through the WSDOT's Active Transportation Programs, which provides technical services and funding assistance to public agencies in support of active transportation for health, safety and economic development. 6 One of the programs is the "Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program." The objective of this program is to improve the transportation system to enhance safety and mobility for people who chose to walk or bike. 47 (The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe has applied for $290,000 under this program for the ODT Diamond Point shared use path.) The Active Transportation Programs Manager has indicated that grants from the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program can be used to for recreational trail planning, including planning and pre -design studies such as the one proposed here. The program • will be open for grant applications in early 2016. 2. Federal Fundina There are at least three sources of federal funds for trail planning: a. Surface Transportation Program The federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) is the most flexible of all the (federal)48 highway programs and the one that provides the most fmancial support to local agencies. Projects 44 http://app.leg.wa.govAvacldefault.aspx?cite=286-26-010 4s The County and the project proponents are already in a position to address #'s (1) and (3); it is not clear what #(2) means, if anything, with respect to a trail planning project; the County and the trail proponents will need to further involve the community, through meetings, in-person and internet surveys, etc, to satisfy #(4): it will not be possible to prepare #(5) (a "capital improvement program") until after a feasibility study identifies a preferred route, but for the planning phase the amount needed to pay for a study can be determined; as to #6, the County should be willing to state that it approves of a feasibility study. 46 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/ATP/ 47 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalPrograms/ATPIfunding.htm 0 68 http✓Avww.wsdot.wa.gov/Loco!Programs/ProgramMgmt/STP.htm Page 28 eligible for STP funding include bicycle, pedestrian, and recreational trails. 49 The Director of • Local Programs for the STP has indicated that the DBET planning project, as described, sounds like it would qualify for STP funding. Jefferson County received approximately $403,000 in STP funds in 2015. b. Transportation Alternatives Program The Transportation Alternatives Program50 (TAP) also appears to be a source of funds for planning and development of the Discovery Bay East Trail. The WSDOT Director of Local Programs indicated that the DBET planning and scoping project should qualify for funding under this program. c. Recreational Trails Program (RTP) The Recreational Trails Program51 (RTP) provides for trail -related facilities for both non - motorized and motorized trail uses. Under limited circumstances, new "linking" trail development projects for recreational trails are eligible for funding. hi Washington State, these grants support a backcountry experience, which means that the trail's physical setting, not its distance from a city or road, should be predominately natural. For example, a backeountry trail can provide views of cities or towns. Backcountry also means that the user will experience nature as opposed to seeing or hearing evidence of human development and activity. Large sections of the proposed • DBET will provide exactly this kind of experience. 9. There is No Good Reason Not to Include a DBET Planning Project on the TIP The Jefferson County Public Works Department has declined to include a DBET planning study on its draft 2016-2021 TIP. Despite the requests of many agencies, organizations and individuals (and in disregard of the County's legal duties), the draft TIP provided by JCPW to the Commissioners and for public comment includes nothing for a bypass of SR 20 over Eaglemount.52 In August of 2015, a Public Works employee stated that three things were needed to get the proposed Discovery Bay East Trail on the Jefferson County TIP: Tonography: The County needed a DBET plan that effectively dealt with the difficult 49Further details on the STP program are available at: http://www.jhwa.dot.govlmap2ll and MAP -21 suballocation at: http: //www fhwa.dot.gov/map21/gandas/gasuballocation. cf n 50 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/LocalProgramsIProgramMgmtlTAP.htm. For additional details on this program see http://www.rco.wa.gov/grantslrtp.shtml. TAP is summarized at http://trade.railstotrails.org/state proflOstate_id=52 51 http://www.rco.wa.gov/grants/rtp.shtml 52htto'/Avwwco.ieBersonwaus/Dublicworkslpdf/TIP/2016-1021/2016 2021TIP %20DRAFT,2 • Page 29 • topographical challenge over Eaglemount hill. Landowners: The County needed some assurance that the affected land owners would agree to the DBET on their properties. Funding: The County needed a reasonable funding plan for the project. The necessary information on all three points was provided. On September 22, 2015, a letter was delivered to the Director of the Public Works Department, which fully addressed the department's questions regarding topography and landowners. The letter informed the Director that multiple routes exist to bypass SR 20 over Eaglemount, and that the key landowners had all expressed their willingness to consider parts of a bypass trail on their land. Next, on October 11, 2105, the Vice - President of the Peninsula Trails Coalition sent a memorandum to the Public Works Director, showing that funding for a planning project for the DBET was available from multiple possible sources. No response to these communications was received. On October 10, 2015, an article was published in the Peninsula Daily News about the upcoming Freddy Pink Concert to benefit the ODT.53 On October 12, 2015, in response to the newspaper article, the Public Works Director sent an email to Mr. Selby of the PTC regarding the article and the proposed multipurpose bypass trail. Analysis of the email shows that there is no good reason • for leaving the planning project off the TIP. The arguments made by the Public Works Department are quoted in green, followed by a point - by -point response: "Where did you get an estimate of $1 million to build the trail from 4 corners to Disco Bay as quoted in the PDN? Did you have an engineer estimate that? " Mr. Selby has responded to this question by stating that he was asked what the ODT costs have been per mile, and that he was very careful to state that the costs have varied wildly depending on many factors, some of which he specified (former RR grade vs. new trail, cost of property, easements, terrain, design, engineering, etc.). Mr. Selby told the PDN that the cost of the mile between the SR20 underpass and the Cape George Trailhead, for example, was $168K, as was reported in the PDN at the time of its completion. He represented that other, more complex sections of trail (e.g., Maynard) could be "over a million", without specifying the actual cost, or any dollar amount at all. "My estimate with engineering, permitting, right of way, and construction is $3 to $4 million without paving and $4 to $5 million with paving using costs from bid tabulations on recent projects. For road bikes to use it as a viable alternative to SR - 20 it will need to be paved. The gravel base and crushed surfacing alone would be $1 • 5s h!W://www peninsuladailynews com/article/20151013/news/310139997/port-townsend-concert-saturday-to-raise- funds-for-lorry-scott-trail Page 30 C] million." By "paved," the Public Works Director apparently means either a crushed surface like most of the LSMT, or an asphalt surface like most of the ODT in Clallam County. For road bikers, either surface works well, as shown by the daily road bike traffic on the LSMT and the ODT in Clallam County. "Taking a relatively straight course (power lines) is 7 miles. Constructing it to keep grades under 5% (ADA) or 8% for short segments, will add 20% to that so it would be about 9 miles." The route option delivered to the Public Works Department on September 22, 2105, included route sections on Discovery Road/Four Comers Road (paved); Anderson Lake Road (paved); Grouse Lane (gravel but acceptable for many non -motorized users); and Fairmount Road/Fairmount Hill Road (paved). If those existing County roads were used for the trail — at least initially -- it would leave approximately 6.3 miles that would have to be surfaced with either crushed rock or asphalt. A planning study will reconcile this discrepancy. "It will not be possible to use existing logging roads since right of way acquired with public funds cannot leave the landowner with any rights to use the roads for logging etc." • We are not aware of any statute or legal rule stating that "right of way acquired with public funds cannot leave the landowner with any rights to use the roads for logging etc." Unless there is a statute or legal rule to that effect, there is no apparent reason why a landowner's conveyance of a fee interest or easement could not reserve rights to use the conveyed property for access to its forest lands and for transport of its forest products. This question, among others, would be answered in the planning project. "(they could not run on the trail surface without destroying it)" It is unclear exactly what the Public Works Director means by "run on the trail surface without destroying it." What trucks or equipment might."run" on the surface, and when, and for how long, and which would "destroy" the trail surface? Exactly how would the "surface" be constructed? Could it be designed and constructed so as to not be "destroyed" if it was used from time -to -time by the grantor? A planning study would answer these questions. We note that logging trucks sometimes use parts of the ODT in Clallam County and have not "destroyed" it, and we note that light-duty JCPW trucks sometimes use the Larry Scott Memorial Trail for inspections, maintenance and restoration, without causing any apparent damage. "or to close the right of way during timber activities or during high fire danger." Again, these questions need to be addressed in the planning process. The DBET could be located in part on recently -harvested Pope Resources or DNR timberlands where no harvests are likely • • Page 31 for decades. Other "timber activities" might be non-destructive to a trail and only minimally disruptive to trail use. Planning will tell. And as to fire closures, whether privately owned or owned by the County, a trail ought to be closed if and when using it creates a significant risk of a forest fire. "The trail would have to be constructed on all new alignment requiring clearing and grading." Careful and thorough trail planning will establish whether "all new alignment requiring clearing and grading" would be required, or whether some existing logging and access roads could be used. It appears to us that in many cases, existing roads could be resurfaced — as was done on parts of the ODT in Clallam County. A planning study would answer this question. "The Larry Scott Trail, which is 7.5 miles long and used existing railroad grades and roads for over 50% of its length, cost $3.5 million uninflated to current dollars (including engineering, permitting, right of way, and construction admin). It costs $35,000/yr ($5,000/mile) to maintain (danger tree removal, brush cutting, mowing, sign replacement, trash removal, grading and patching, storm debris cleanup). The 3,900 feet of trail at Disco Bay will cost $1.5 million. We are currently building 3,500 feet of single lane gravel road on the West End at a cost of nearly $500,000 + r/w and . engineering." A trail planning project would provide the County with current cost estimates for this proposed trail, so the County would not have to base its decision on older projects with "uninflated" dollars, the extraordinary costs of the riparian project at "Disco Bay," etc. "From the 2010 County Non -Motorized Plan regarding this section of Trail: "The Trail would be a back country route that uses existing utility easements, logging roads, and constructed trails. Trail advocates have taken the lead in planning this segment of the route. From the west side of Discovery Bay to C/allam County, the Trail could be on or adjacent to County Roads and Highway 101." This is a recreational back country trail segment (i.e. the "Adventure Trail" in Clallam Co.) which should be developed and maintained by trail groups similar to models used all over the country (see Methow Valley Trails Association for a successful local example with over 200 miles of trail). The Trails Coalition could get landowner agreements with Pope and others and start building trail immediately. Landowner agreements are free and the landowner can retain rights so using • existing roads is viable in this model. See model of trails with Pope over at Port Gamble (the Stottlemeyer Trails)." Page 32 • It is not clear why the Public Works Director quoted only these three sentences from the County's 2010 Update to its Non -Motorized Plan. It seems that by quoting just three sentences from the Plan, and specifically emphasizing the words "back country," the Director is suggesting that Jefferson County decided in 2010 that the bypass trail would not be a multi-user recreational trail like the ODT and the LSMT, but rather single-track mountain bike trail like the "Adventure Trail" in Clallam County and the "Stottlemeyer Trails" in Kitsap County.54 In fact, as examination of the 2010 Plan Update shows, the County did not decide in 2010 to link the LSMT and ODT with a single-track mountain bike "adventure" type trail. To the contrary, the Plan as updated in 2010 contemplated a multipurpose recreational trail exactly like the LSMT. First, the Updated Plan defined "multipurpose trails" under the heading 8.1 Multipurpose trails55: Multipurpose trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features throughout Jefferson County and with adjacent jurisdictions. Generally, multipurpose trails may be developed to provide for one or more modes of recreational and commuter travel including hiking, biking, equestrian, and other non -motorized trail uses where appropriate. To the extent possible, multipurpose trails may be developed within corridors separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, multipurpose trails may be located on former railroad alignments, utility easements or in separate property alignments. In some instances, the trail may be developed as an improvement within the • right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors. Typically, multipurpose trails may be developed in accordance with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. Multipurpose trails may provide 2 -way travel on asphalt, very fine crushed rock, compact dirt, or other base of varying widths. The trails may be usable by all age and skill groups, and handicap accessible. The 2010 Updated Plan then described potential feasibility studies of multipurpose trails under the subheading "proposed trails": Proposed trails The following trail systems may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate non -motorized trail use opportunities within the area subiect to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, " The Clallam County Adventure Route is "built for active mountain bikers and equestrians. It has 25 miles of double and single track riding over hilly, forested terrain. It is a very well -constructed, well -drained, well-maintained, 3 ft wide packed earth trail" httv://www.olympicdiscovery"il.com/side trips/adventure route.html The Stottlemeyer Trail is "a fun trail system with good single track and fun obstacles. Uphill and light downhill with lots of single track linked with small logging roads" haps•//www everereeruntb ore/trails/port-eamble-stottlemever-trails ss htto 711www co iefferson wa us/publicworks/p�/Non- Motorized%20Plan/2010Fina1/8%2OGoals%20&%200biectives.Ddf The Jefferson County website links to this page • at http'//www co Jefferson wa us/publicworks/active transportasp#NMTplan Page 33 • public road, and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private property where owners approve. [Italics in original; underlining added] • The Updated Plan specifically identified four possible routes for the multipurpose trail from Four Corners Road to Discovery Bay: two versions of the ODT Utility Route, and two versions of the ODT Forest and Lakes Route. It included a graphic of a "multipurpose" trail: It also included a map of the four possible multipurpose bypass trails 56 : 16 hn://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/publicworks/pdf/Non- • Motorized%20PIao/20IOFina1/9.l%20MultiP=ose%20Trails.pddf Page 34 • Multipurpose trails Existing 1 a DDT - Larry Scott Memonal Trail Proposed 11b DDT- Larry Scott Memorial Train Extension lc ON - Utility Route to Anderson Lake Road 1 d ODT - Utility Route to Discovery Bay le OOT - Forest and Lakes Route to Anderson lake State Park 1 t ODT - Forest and Lakes Route to Discovery Bay Ig ODT - Discovery Bay to Callam County 2a Port Townsend WawW8Ik 2b Port Townsend Waterwalk Extension `. 3a Part Townsend Loop Trail - Portage 3b Port Townsend Loop Troll - Wirona CreekMbstsde 4 McCurdy Point Trail 5 Cape George Trail 6 Four Corners - Old Fort Townsend Thus, it is simply not a fact that in 2010 Jefferson County decided to link the LSMT and the ODT with a back county "adventure" type trail. To the contrary, the County's 2010 updated Plan shows that the planned a multipurpose LSMT-like recreational trail as the link between the LSMT and the CDT.57 "This recreational trail is ineligible for County road fund dollars which are inadequate for current transportation facilities anyway. The County's non - motorized transportation spending will be focused on our communities like Hadlock and Quilcene where we have current and planned projects that connect people to community facilities. Parks and Recreation cannot fund its existing facilities (gym needs a roof, volunteers had to raise money to repave Quilcene tennis courts, 57 Certainly the "trail advocates [who] have taken the lead in planning this segment of the route" - primarily the Peninsula Trails Coalition - never advocated for or planned a single track trail, but always promoted a multiuse recreational trail that would get all nonmotorized users, including road bikers, walkers, strollers and the disabled off SR 20. Building a good single-track mountain bike trail with fun obstacles will not solve the problems or bring the desired benefits to the County. 0 Page 35 • volunteers running Leland campground, etc.) let alone a new trail system (existing trails at Gibbs Lake and Indian Island in the Parks system are volunteer built and maintained). Tax payers shot down the concept of a Metropolitan Parks District (MPD) to provide dedicated park/rec funding. Same story in Sequim with the MPD." We believe the Director is rightly concerned about funding. A planning project will determine how much money will be needed for the trail and what funds are available to build it. But without a planning project on the TIP, no funding can be obtained — even for the planning project itself. "No one is forced to ride a bike on SR -20 over Eaglemount. I'm a bike rider and I wouldn't do it. This is a purely recreational choice (and a bad one) when very good viable alternatives exist. The 17.7 mile route down Center Rd, SR -104, US 101 has 8 - foot shoulders (or more) and under 5% grades." The Director clearly agrees with everyone else that SR 20 is a "bad" choice for bicyclers He "wouldn't do it." Yet hundreds of walkers and riders a year — if not thousands5s — make this choice when they reach the end of the LSMT (on the north) or the end of the ODT (on the south), because the "alternative" is not a good choice at all. Using the Director's figures, the detour adds more than 10 miles to the route. Worse, it takes pedestrian and riders from the LSMT southeast • onto the very busy and sometimes very narrow SR 19, south on Center Road, northwest onto SR 104 (which carries almost all of the Peninsula traffic from the Hood Canal Bridge to points west), and then north onto SR 101 where traffic counts are between 5000 and 10,000 vehicles a day. 59 Few cyclists and walkers make that bad choice. "The county and DOT have already invested heavily into these facilities and continue to do so (for example recently completed and planned asphalt overlays on Center Rd.) Many people come to our county already to ride these routes which provide exceptional scenery not to mention they actually go by County businesses that can benefit from tourism visitation and spending (Spring Rain Farm, Finn River Cidery, Chimacum Corner Farmstand, Farms Reach Cafe, to name a few). By contrast, the route over Eaglemount completely avoids all county businesses. Otherwise, trail tourism is likely to be concentrated in Port Townsend (whose residents do not pay the County road tax) and Clallam County (again, not contributing to Jefferson County road tax)." Many County businesses would disagree with, and possibly resent, the Director's assertion that "the route over Eaglemount completely avoids all county businesses" and that "trail tourism is likely to be concentrated" in Port Townsend Clallam County. Specifically, on the north, nearby "An average of four hikers and bikers a day would total more than a thousand a year. On many days in the summer there are multiples of that average. • 59 http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata/tooWtraffictrends/ Page 36 • inns (like Chevy Chase), stores (like the Four Corners Store) and restaurants (like the Discovery Bay Golf Course restaurant and the Chimacum Cafd) will benefit from increased non -motorized recreational traffic on the ODT. In the middle, Eaglemount Rockery Cottages/Motel and the Eaglemount Winery will both benefit. And on the south at Discovery Bay, motels (like the Valley View Motel), resorts (like the WorldMark Discovery Bay resort), restaurants (like Fat Smitty's and Snug Harbor), stores (like the Discovery Bay Store), and shops (like Lucky Deer Trading) will all benefit. Generally, the Director was correct in 2009 when he called the LSMT — which itself goes directly by no County businesses -- "such a great investment for the community.i60 The DBET will be the same. "Development of an Adventure style route over Eaglemount by the Trail coalition will serve many trail user groups including hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians (these groups are already using portions of this area). True road bikers will not use a gravel surfaced trail and are unlikely to use a paved one either, preferring to stick to the road shoulder since it is inappropriate and unsafe to ride at road bike speeds on a shared use trail. That leaves the recreational bike touring group which has good viable on -road alternatives." The bald statement that "true road bikers will not use a gravel surfaced trail" is contradicted every day by road bikers using the Larry Scott Trail, and the assertion that road bikers are "unlikely to use a paved one either" is contradicted every day by road bikers on the paved ODT in • Clallam County. Saying that "That leaves the recreational bike tour groups ..." entirely excludes important user groups often seen on the LSMT or the ODT, including: • Mobility impaired persons, sometimes using walkers or wheelchairs • Moms with strollers • Fitness walking groups • Small -wheel users such as rollerbladers, skateboarders and rollerskiers • Slow and unsteady cyclists, and novice and youth bikers • Families with little "weavers, wobblers and training wheelers" "My recommendation is that the Trails coalition get busy developing a recreational trail by working with Pope similar to the Stottlemeyer example in Port Gamble. The Director recommends that the PTC — the private force behind the multipurpose Olympic 60hiip://www.ptleader.com/news/last-section-of-lam-scott-memorial-trail-is-fundedlarticle le0e0d8c-5743-5f5e- • 85ab-c41f295a9436.htm1 Page 37 • Discovery Trail -- should "get busy"61 developing a mountain bike trail instead of the multipurpose trail that has been its vision and goal for twenty-five years, The "Stottlemeyer example in Port Gamble" is a mountain bike trail. The North Kitsap Trails Association describes it as follows: Family Mountain Bike Ride on Port Gamble Trails: The North Kitsap Trails Association (NKTA) and the Northwest Trail Riders Mountain Bike Club are hosting a family mountain bike ride departing on Port Gamble OPG trails starting at the Stottlemeyer Trailhead at 10 a.m. on June 4, 2011. The ride consists of some hills and mostly moderate single track. This will be a great ride for the entire family. All riders should be able to control their bikes on varied dirt terrain including single track, up hills and down hills. 62 [Emphasis added.] The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance describes it as "a fun trail system with good single track and fun obstacles. Uphill and light downhill with lots of single track linked with small logging roads.i63 The PTC has developed a trail like that in Clallam County — the "Adventure Trail" — but that is a mountain bike alternative to the multipurpose ODT, and not part of the ODT. The Adventure Trail was never intended as a multipurpose route. It is unsuitable for many of the user groups that a multipurpose trail will serve. "You don't need a sophisticated routing study to do this." • A sophisticated planning study is necessary, however, as the first step in developing a multipurpose trail that can serve all of the user groups, meeting AASHTO, ADA and WSDOT standards. To move ahead there has to be a plan. All of the stakeholders need to know exactly what needs to be done; who can and should do it (considering their resources); how much it will cost; and the timing for expenditure of funds (if a "phased" approach is used). A complete and thorough study by a professional and experienced planner should provide the answers everyone needs. The County is at the center of this and is the key to getting it done. By putting the planning project on its TIP, and funding the planning study, the County will not only develop the information needed for its own decision-making; it will also give the trail proponents and facilitators the information they need to move ahead with the stakeholders and funding sources. 6' It seems odd that the Public Works Director, while expressing his view that the County should do nothing for the proposed DBET project — not even a planning study -- would tell the PTC to "get busy" and build a limited -purpose alternative to the multipurpose trails described in the County's own plans. The all -volunteer PTC has tirelessly supported Clallam and Jefferson Counties in designing and building over 70 miles of multipurpose trails last 25 years, and has actively assisted the Counties on an ongoing basis in maintaining those trails. It has been "busy," and will continue to be, but it cannot take over the government's role in doing transportation improvement planning and development. • 62 http://www.northkitsaptrails.orp/news/press.releases/127-press-release-2 " haps://www.evergreenmtb.org/trails/port-gamble-stottlemever-trails Page 38 Putting the planning project on the TIP and funding it is not the same as funding the trail itself. But the planning project will set the next steps in motion. "That [a Stottlemeyer-type trail] will be a great project and I look forward to using it. I am a regular user of the Adventure Trail in Clallam County and the Stottlemeyer trails in Port Gamble. All volunteer built. All volunteer maintained." An adventure trail for mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians will not solve the SR 20 safety problems; will not link the two multipurpose trail stubs that Jefferson County has constructed so far; will not best serve the County's businesses and citizens; and will not lawfully complete the County trail plans that have so carefully been drawn by the County over the decades. Instead it will leave in place a gaping hole in the ODT and nonmotorized users on the dangerous highway — all to the detriment of the County economy. Alta Planning, a premier recreational trail planning and design firm, has prepared a proposal for preliminary trail planning for the Eaglemount bypass. A copy of the Alta proposal is attached. There is every reason to have Alta, or a firm like it, plan the trail and no good reason not to. A planning project for the Discovery Bay East Trail should therefore be included on the County's 2016-2021 TIP. U • 0 Page 38 Putting the planning project on the TIP and funding it is not the same as funding the trail itself. But the planning project will set the next steps in motion. "That [a Stottlemever-type trail] will be a great project and I look forward to using it. I am a regular user of the Adventure Trail in Clallam County and the Stottlemeyer trails in Port Camble. All volunteer built. All volunteer maintained." An adventure trail for mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians will not solve the SR 20 safety problems; will not link the two multipurpose trail stubs that Jefferson County has constructed so far; will not best serve the County's businesses and citizens; and will not lawfully complete the County trail plans that have so carefully been drawn by the County over the decades. Instead it will leave in place a gaping hole in the ODT and nonmotorized users on the dangerous highway — all to the detriment of the County economy. Alta Planning, a premier recreational trail planning and design firm, has prepared a proposal for preliminary trail planning for the Eaglemount bypass. There is every reason to have Alta, or a firm like it, plan the trail and no good reason not to. A planning project for the Discovery Bay East Trail should therefore be included on the County's 2016-2021 TIP. October 22, 2105 Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 SR20 / Fairmount Anderson Lake / Fairmount Anderson Lake I Waterline I South Plateau Delanty I Moa Hill U 10 0.2 0A —i J u P� r J And( 0 0.2 a.ogi P i3 September 19, 2015 s ,,.r, a „„,„ , C: ... p�ny Monte Reinders, PE Public Works Director/County Engineer Jefferson County Department of Public Works 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 RE: Support to include Feasibility Study for Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET) section of Olympic Discovery Trail in 2016 Jefferson County TIP Dear Mr. Reinders: Pope Resources and Olympic Resource Management generally support a multi -use non - motorized and recreational trail connecting the existing Larry Scott Trail to the South Discovery Bay Trail, so as to complete this part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. We recognize that because of existing conditions and constrictions along SR 20, as well as topographical and land ownership considerations; it may prove beneficial for public safety if parts of such a trail traversed some portion of Pope Resources land. We have recently received, from a proponent for the trail, email communications and a Map describing conceptual route ideas for what they call the "Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET)." We have also met with trail proponents to discuss this. Based on our preliminary analysis, we are supportive of Jefferson County completing a Feasibility Study of a trail in this location and support the inclusion of that project in the 2016 Jefferson County TIP. We anticipate additional company review of the proposed trail location during the Feasibility Study, as well as additional negotiations if both the County and Pope Resources agree to move forward. We look forward to working with the County and the other interested parties on this important project. / Vice President – Real Estate, Pope Resources President, Olympic Property Group, a Pope Resources Company cc Hall Ba+etz JIRT Olympic Property Group — r 19950 7th Avenue NE, Suite 200, Poulsbo, WA 98370 (360) 697-6626 • Fax: (360) 697-1156 7),_,..i Washington State Olymplo Region MAP Department of Transportation 5720 Capitol Boulevard, Tumwater P.O. Box 47440 Lynn Peterson Olympia, WA %504-7440 Secretary of Transportation 360-357-26001 FAX: 360-357-2601 TTY: 1-800.833-6388 www.wsdot.wa.gov September 18, 2015 Monte Reinders Public Works Director Jefferson County 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: SR 20 Discovery Bay East Trail (DBE -1) WSDOT Letter of Support for Jefferson County Dear Mr. Reinders, On behalf of the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), I would like to express our support for Jefferson County's proposal to study the possibility of creating a shared used non -motorized trail that could possibly use a portion of SR 20 located along the lower east side of Discovery Bay. The actual portions of SR 20 that might be used would be determined later. WSDOT supports the general concept of this proposed trail provided: • Any portion of the trail proposed on state highway right-of-way meets all applicable WSDOT design standards for a shared use trail, including all applicable American with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. • The Trail is, or will be, listed on the Jefferson County 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan, and continues as part of the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan. • Jefferson County, or another reliable entity, agrees to be responsible for and performs the ongoing maintenance and repair of the trail, as WSDOT will not be responsible for any of the maintenance and repair of the trail on state highway right-of-way. • A Trail Lease is obtained from WSDOT for the use, maintenance, and repair of the trail. Therefore, based on the information provided to us to date, WSDOT supports Jefferson County's general conceptual trail proposal. WSDOT would also be willing to participate with the various stakeholders, as needed, regarding any portion of the trail that is proposed to be on WSDOT right- of-way. Thank you for the opportunity to express our general support for this shared used trail proposal in Jefferson County. If you have any questions please contact me at (360) 357-2736 or email at dale.severson@wsdot.wa.gov. Sincerely, Dale Severson, P.E. Development Services Engineer Enclosure cc: Steve Kim, WSDOT Neal Campbell, WSDOT Jefferson County Public Utility District Jefferson County Public Works Attn: Monte Reinders, PE 623 Sheridan St. Port Townsend, WA 98368 Monte: Board of Commissioners Barney Burke, District 1 Ken Collins, District 2 Wayne G. King, District 3 James G. Parker, Manager We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016- 2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the end of the Larry Scott Trail at Milo Curry Road, and the end of the Discovery Bay South Trail at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link, which its proponents call the Discovery Bay East Trail (DBET), would allow recreational non -motorized users, such as hikers, bicyclists and equestrians, to bypass the dangerous State Route 20 over Eaglemount. Jefferson PUD #I supports the study and development of such a trail. Our vehicles regularly use SR20. Our drivers have often observed the difficulties of both motorized and non -motorized users being on that difficult stretch of highway at the same time. We encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in Jefferson County's 2016 TIP. We recognize that among the preliminary route studies for the DBET are some that might pass over our property. Of course, JPUD cannot agree or disagree with any particular route until a careful feasibility study is completed. That having been said, JPUD is willing to participate with the other stakeholders in negotiations needed to determine a trail route acceptable to all parties concerned. Thank you for considering our views on this very important matter. PH (360) 385-5800 FX (360) 385-5945 310 Four Comers Road, Port Tosmsend, WA 98368 cuslomerservicenieff un d ore Public Utility District #I of Jefferson County is an equal opportunity provider 1•f� �r Don Hoch Director STATE OF WASHINGTON WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION 1111 Israel Road S.W. o P.O. Box 42650 • Olympia, WA 98504-2650 • (360) 902-8500 TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf): (360) 664-3133 www. pa r ks. wa. Qov September 24, 2015 Mr. Monte Reinders Public Works Director Jefferson County 623 Sheridan Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: Letter of Support for Olympic Discovery Trail Feasibility Study in 2016 TIP We are supportive of efforts to add the Olympic Discovery Trail Feasibility Study to Jefferson County's 2016 Transportation Implementation Plan ('ITP) and for the County to seek grant funding for the study. It is our understanding that the study will identify viable options and the preferred route for the Olympic Discovery Trail from the Four Corners area to the south tip of Discovery Bay. If the options and preferred route are to include Anderson Lake State Park, we want to be included in the planning, analyses and final recommendations. We have a long working relationship with the Peninsula Trails Coalition and are supportive of the Olympic Discovery Trail goal to extend the trail from Port Townsend to Lapush. The ODT currently crosses Sequim Bay State Park. We have been in preliminary discussions with PTC on a possible ODT connection with the Miller Peninsula State Park Property. PTC and State Park representatives have investigated potential alignments for the ODT within Anderson Lake State Park. Sincerely, I Ed Girard, Region Manager CC Jeff Selby, Vice -President, Peninsula Trails Coalition Brian Hageman, Area Manager Aaron Terada, Operations Manager Julie McQuary, SW Region Parks Planner Gtyorport Townsend September 17, 2015 Mr. Monte Reinders, P.E. Director, Jefferson County Public Work Director/County Engineer 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, Washington 98368 Dear Director Reinders: David Timmons City Manager 250 Madison, Suite 2 Port Townsend, WA 98368 360-379-5047 Fax 360-3854290 dtimmons@cityofpt.us We understand that you have been asked to consider including in its draft 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the end of the Larry Scott Trail at Milo Curry Road, and the end of the Discovery Bay South Trail at the head of Discovery Bay. The City's adopted Non -Motorized Transportation Plan includes provisions for connectivity among the City's and County's trail systems. The City encourages inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in Jefferson County's 2016 TIP. We do not necessarily support or oppose any of the proposed routes suggested by the citizen groups interested in this issue, but we look forward to working with you on the connectivity issues. Thank for your consideration of the City's views. David Timmo City Manager A NATIONAL MAIN STREET COMMUNITY WASHINGTON'S HISTORIC VICTORIAN SEA From: Ryan, John (WSP) JohnRyan(Wwsp.wa.gov Subject: Olympic Discovery Trail Date: September 21, 2015 at 8:29 AM To: mreinders<3co.jeifierson.wa.us Dear Mr. Reinders: I understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the new Discovery Bay South Trail near Highway 101 at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to bypass the dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. As a Washington State Patrol sergeant that supervises troopers in Jefferson County, I wholeheartedly support the study and development of such a recreational trail. My troopers regularly patrol SR 20 often observing cars, logging trucks, loaded chip trucks, motorhomes, trucks with trailers, etc, trying to navigate SR20 over Eaglemount while dealing with bicyelers and hikers and oncoming traffic. I myself was assigned to Jefferson County from 1999 to 2003 and patrolled SR 20 often so I know firsthand how dangerous it is. For the safety of everyone— both motorists and non-motorists—we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in the County's TIP. Thank you for considering my input on this. Warm regards, Sergeant John Ryan Washington State Patrol Port Angeles Detachment (360)417-1738 September 21, 2015 Monte Reinders, Director Jefferson County Public Works 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Mr. Reinders: BUCKHORN RANGE CHAPTER BACK COUNTRY HORSEMEN OF WASHINGTON P.O. Box 845, Chimacum, WA 98325 I am writing on behalf of the Buckhorn Range Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Washington. We are a uni voice for equestrians living on and near the east side of the Olympic Peninsula. Our purpose involves the planning, promotion, maintenance and low impact use of trails open to horses and mules on federal, state and local lands in Washington State. We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail bypass between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the Olympic Discovery Trail at the head of Discovery Bay. Properly designed, this trail link wot allow equestrians to bypass the dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. SR20 is obviously not suitable horseback riding and as things now stand there is no uniformly designed and properly maintained bypass route for equestrians from the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to the head of Discovery Bay. The Buckhorn Range Chapter of the Back Country Horsemen of Washington supports the study and development of a multi-purpose recreational trail that will allow equestrians, hikers, cyclists, persons with disabilities and others to avol SR20 over Eaglemount. I know that many County equestrians are frustrated and disappointed that the Larry Scott Memorial Trail does not extend further south. Those equestrians will not risk riding on SR20 with busy traffic on blind corners without shoulders. Additionally, we have experienced the difficulty of pulling loaded horse trailers on this stretch of SR20 while negotiating oncoming traffic with cyclists and hikers on the shoulder. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone — motorists and equestrians — we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study a recreational trail in the County's TIP. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully YYo/urrs,///j� Kris Lenke, President Buckhorn Range Chapter Back Country Horsemen of Washington Port Townsend Bicycle Association PO Box 681 Port Townsend, WA 98368 September 20, 2015 Monte Reinders, Director Jefferson County Public Works Dept 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend WA 98368 Dear Mr. Reinders: The Port Townsend Bicycle Association strongly supports the development of a multipurpose recreational trail from Four Corners Road to Discovery Bay. A trail bypassing Highway 20 over Eaglemount will allow cyclists and other recreational users to travel safely from the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to the Olympic Discovery Trail at the head of the Bay, and from there on to Sequim, Port Angeles, Lake Crescent, Forks and LaPush. As things now stand, there is no way to do that. The only route, other than riding south to Highway 104 and then west to Highway 101 — both very busy highways — is the risky ride on Highway 20. Most of our Port Townsend cyclists don't want to take that risk. The Olympic Peninsula is also well known to cyclists from all over the world as an attractive destination for touring cycling. Some of these cyclists are experienced road riders, but many of them are enticed to visit our region because of the Olympic Discovery Trail. It is important that we continue to fill in the missing pieces. Clallam County has already experienced the economic benefits that have come into their region due to the County's ongoing expansion of the ODT. This trail is more than a recreational facility. It most certainly is an economic development strategy as well. We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering whether to undertake a feasibility study for a recreational trail bypass. We encourage the County to undertake the study, now. A bypass trail has been talked about for more than a decade. It is time to move forward. We are confident that once the feasibility study is undertaken, the County will find that a bypass is feasible, good for the economy, and — most importantly —good for the health and safety of its citizens. Sincerely, Mary Toews, Vice President Port Townsend Bicycle Association K22 September 18, 2015 Jefferson County Public Works 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend WA 98368 Attention: Monte Reinders Subject: 2016-2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) Mr. Reinders, We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016- 2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and the new Discovery Bay South Trail at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to bypass the dangerous State Route 20 over Eaglemount. Port Townsend Paper Company supports the study and development of such a recreational trail. Loaded chip trucks traveling to and from the mill sometimes have to follow or pass bicyclers while dealing with oncoming traffic on that narrow, curving stretch of road. Forthe safety of everyone, we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of a recreational trail alternative in the County's TIP. Thank you for considering our input on this. Res ctfull CarrTynd 1 Port Townsend Paper General Manager 100 Mill Road, Port Townsend, WA 98368 111114shim t6hhi S Bicycle Alliance of Washington September 21, 2015 Monte Reinders, Director Jefferson County Public Works 623 Sheridan Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 Dear Mr. Reinders: 314 -1n Avenue South a Seattle, WA 98104 1023 West Riverside Avenue a Spokane, WA 99201 206.224.9252 . WAbikes.org I am writing on behalf of Washington Bikes, the statewide bike advocacy nonprofit working for a more bike -friendly Washington and representing the interests of the estimated 2.57 million people in Washington who ride a bicycle. We focus on increasing funding for bicycle infrastructure, growing the economy through promotion of bicycle tourism, passing legislation to improve access and safety, and educating people of all ages. We partner with local and regional organizations such as the Peninsula Trails Coalition, Port Townsend Bicycle Association, Olympic Peninsula Likes Bikes, and other bike and trail groups. We work closely with WSDOT and local agency staff on planning, building, and promoting an all - modes approach to transportation throughout the state. Investments in complete, comfortable connections for people biking and walking improve conditions for everyone, including drivers. We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016- 2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreational trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the new Discovery Bay South Trail near Highway 101 at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to bypass the dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. We want to express our strong support for this trail addition as both a safety improvement and an enhancement of the outstanding regional trail network on the Olympic Peninsula. The return will be considerable both in healthy, safe outdoor recreation and active transportation opportunities for your residents and in the increased attractiveness of the area as a travel destination. The section of Highway 20 in question is notorious as a challenging and dangerous stretch of shared highway. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone we encourage inclusion of a feasibility study of this trail alternative in the County's 2016 TIP. More on the power of trails and bike tourism: Last year I co-chaired the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Parks and Outdoor Recreation. Statewide bicycle travel and tourism generates $3.1 billion annually in direct expenditures as part of the state's robust outdoor economy, according to a study released earlier this year (see htto://wabikes ore/2015/01/08/bicvcline means business in wa/). We work with the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the Adventure Cycling Association, and other national organizations to highlight trail projects and promote bike travel in Washington. Washington has some of the most notable trails in the country.The Olympic Discovery Trail is a gem that gets more brilliant with each new facet, drawing both in-state travel from all corners of Washington and travelers from around the nation and around the world. Many people organize vacations around trail use and will travel to experience new trails. The longer the trail, the greater its power as a tourism draw. Trails also increase the attractiveness of the area for prospective businesses, employers, and homeowners. In a study for the National Association of REALTORS, trails were the second most important feature contributing to home value. In 2014 we won designation of US Bicycle Route 10, the first USBR on the West Coast and an addition to this national network of designated bike routes. USBR30 primarily follows SR 20 from Anacortes to Newport (htto://wabikes.org/growing-bicvcline/us-bicycle route system/usbrl0/), utilizing trail connections wherever possible. Bike advocates on the Olympic Peninsula have expressed interest in adding an extension of USBR10 via ferry that would continue to follow SR 20. Should we pursue this we will have an even greater tool to leverage the value of the Discovery Bay East Trail. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the TIP and this wonderful potential addition to Jefferson County. Sincerely, %..ir l /.1 , VA Barb Chamberlain, Executive Director Washington Bikes barb@WAbikes.org 206-224-9252 ext 325 or 509-869-2949 Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 9: Development Plan Elements Maps for the Larry Scott Trail, Rick Tollefson Trail (formerly the ChimacumTrail), and Olympic Discovery Trail have been added at the end of Section 9.1 Multi-purpose trails. 9.1 Multipurpose trails Multipurpose trails may be developed to link major environmental assets, park and recreational facilities, community centers, and historical features throughout Jefferson County and with adjacent jurisdictions. Generally, multipurpose trails may be developed to provide for one or more modes of recreational and commuter travel including hiking, biking, equestrian, and other non -motorized trail uses where appropriate. To the extent possible, multipurpose trails may be developed within corridors separate from vehicular or other motorized forms of transportation. For example, multipurpose trails may be located on former railroad alignments, utility easements or in separate property alignments. In some instances, the trail may be developed as an improvement within the right-of-way of established vehicular or other transportation corridors. Typically, multipurpose trails may be developed in accordance with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) guidelines. Multipurpose trails may provide 2 -way travel on asphalt, very fine crushed rock, compact dirt, or other base of varying widths. The trails may be usable by all age and skill groups, and handicap accessible. Trail corridors may be improved with trailhead services including rest stops, parking lots, bike racks and storage facilities, restrooms, water, and air services. Where the trail is located in association with another park and recreational improvement or public facility, the trailhead may be improved with active picnic, playgrounds, and play areas. Multipurpose trail corridors may be independent properties or include portions of other sites provided for resource conservancies, resource activities, athletic facilities, and other park and recreational or public facility properties. Linked with resource conservancies and resource activities, the multipurpose trails element plans may create a system of interconnected corridors integrating and defining the developed portions of urban areas in accordance with the Growth Management Act's (GMA) provisions for urban separators. Multipurpose trail corridors may be developed on other publicly -owned lands using public use agreements or special easements; or on lands owned as portions of road and highway right-of-way, stream corridor conservation or buffer zones of independent title. Trail enthusiasts working in conjunction with public agencies and other private trail interest groups identified most of the routes proposed in this plan. Future trail development projects may use the same cooperative, joint venture Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 approach to formally designate and improve existing routes and trailheads and/or to develop new routes, rest stops, and other trail services. vision As described, the multipurpose trail vision may be realized by providing trail opportunities that: • conserve natural features, • define urban identities, • link community facilities, • serve persons with varied physical abilities and skills, and • promote utilitarian non -motorized transportation modes. irpose trail — major systems .xistino trails la ODT — LarryScott Multipurpose trail located on the former 4. Memorial Trail from Seattle & North Coast Railroad grade Port of Port from the waterfront at the Port of Port Townsend to Townsend southwest to the Rumage Proposed trails The following trail systems may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate non -motorized trail use opportunities within the area subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow railroad, public road, and utility right -of --way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private nrnnerty where owners annrove_ 1 b ODT — Larry Scott Multipurpose trail from the Rumage 4.1 Memorial Trail property on Cape George Road south Extension to Four through the Quimper Peninsula to Four Corners Corners. 1c ODT— Utility Multipurpose trail from Four Corners 3.2 Route: Four south on utility easements parallel to Corners to SR -20 to Anderson Lake Road. Anderson Lake Road 1d ODT— Utility Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake 4.7 Route: Anderson Road on optional routes to Fairmount Lake Road to Road, the south end of Discovery Bay, Discovery Bay and US -101. Optional routes include utility easements and old railroad grade. 1 e ODT — Forest and Multipurpose trail from Four Corners 3.2 Lakes Route: Four south on utility easements and across Corners - Anderson forestland to Anderson Lake State Lake State Park Park. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Multipurpose trails Chapter 9 Plan Elements Existing 1a OCT— Larry Scott Memorial Trail Proposed 1b GOT— Larry Scott Memorial Trail Extension 10 DDT — Utility Route to Anderson Lake Road Id DDT—Utility Route to Discovery Bay Is OUT — Forest and Lakes Route to Anderson take State Park if ODT— Forest and Lakes Route to'. Discovery Bay Ig ODT — Discovery Bay to Callam County 28 Port Townsend Waterwalk 2b Port Townsend Waterwalk Extension 3a Port Townsend Loop Trail — Portage 3b Port Townsend Loop Trail — Winona CmekNgestside 4 McCurdy Point Trail 5 Cape George Trall 6 Four Corners — Old Fort Townsend 7 Irondale Trail 8 Cnimacum Trail 9 Lower Hadlock Trail 10 Timberton Loop Trail it Ouilcana Trail 12 Brinnon Trail 13 Teal Lake -Hood Head Trail 14 $R-104 Trail 15 SR-104-Quilcene Trail 16 Quilcene-Bdnnon Trail 17 Bdnnon-Black Point Trail --- Existing trail ---- Proposed trail Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Multipurpose trails 2' lata' •'���° - Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 1 f ODT — Forest and Multipurpose trail from Anderson Lake 8.5 Lakes Route: State Park south on utility easements, Anderson Lake - forestlands, and County roads to US - Discovery Bay 101 at the south end of Discover Bay. 1 g ODT — Discovery Multipurpose trail from the south end of 9.0 Bay to Clallam Discovery Bay parallel to US -101 and County Old Gardiner Road to Clallam County and the continuation of the ODT to Port Angeles and the Olympic Coast. 2a Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from the Ferry 0.6 Waterwalk Terminal in downtown Port Townsend south along the waterfront to Larry Scott Memorial Trail at the Port. 2b Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from the Ferry 1.4 Waterwalk Terminal and the Gateway to Larry Extension Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 3a Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from Fort Worden 2.7 Loop Trail — State Park south past the Fairgrounds, Portage Blue Heron Middle School, and Kah Tai Lagoon Nature Park to Larry Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 3b Port Townsend Multipurpose trail from Fort Worden 3.5 Loop Trail - southwest past the Fairgrounds, North Winona Creek- Beach Drainage Corridor, Levinski Westside Wetland, Winona Wetland, Quimper Wildlife Corridor, and City Entry Park to ODT - Larry Scott Memorial Trail. 4 McCurdy Point Trail Multipurpose trail from Port Townsend 1.7 Winona Creek -Westside Trail west through the Quimper Wildlife Corridor ast Tibbals Lake to McCurd Point. 5 Cape George Trail Multipurpose trail from OUT - Larry 2.5 Scott Memorial Trail at the Rumage ro ert west to nape Geor e. 6 Four Corners to Multipurpose trail from ODT at Four 4.2 Old Fort Townsend Corners northeast across Airport property and County roads to Old Fort Townsend State Park and Larry Scott Memorial Trail at Glen Cove. 7 Irondale Trail Multipurpose trail from ODT at Four 3.7 Corners along the south boundary of the Airport to Rhody Drive and Irondale Road to Port Hadlock. 8 Chimacum Trail Multipurpose trail from Port Hadlock 3.1 (now the Rick south past Bob Bates Park, west across Tollefson Memorial Chimacum Creek to HJ Carroll Park, Trail) Chimacum School, and the ODT at Anderson Lake State Park. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 9 Lower Hadlock Multipurpose trail from Port Hadlock 0.4 Trail through Wooden Boat School campus County Interpretive signage, parking, and and along Lower Hadlock Road to Fairgrounds restroom services. Lower Hadlock waterfront. Kah Tai Lagoon 10 Timberton Loop Multipurpose trail from Port Ludlow 5.0 Trail south to the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Cape George Road Interpretive signage, parking, horse Center and back. 11 Quilcene Trail Multipurpose trail from Quilcene 1.0 services. Community Center to Quilcene River Four Corners Interpretive signage, parking, horse Park. 12 Brinnon Trail Multipurpose trail from Brinnon 0.7 services. Elementary School along Schoolhouse Anderson Lake Interpretive signage, parking, horse Road, Brinnon Lane, and US -101 State Park corral and trailers, and restroom across the Dosewallips River Bridge services. and into Dosewalli s State Park. Gibbs or Beausite Interpretive signage, parking, and ee o Total miles multipurpose trail Existing traitheads A Port of Port Interpretive signage, parking, and Townsend restroom services. Total trailheads VJ.� Proposed trailheads Signage, parking, bike racks and storage facilities, restrooms, and other trail services may be provided at the following sites. Additional trailheads and trail ______ _:�__ ....,... ......... ;A -A �r �nnrnnrinfa niacac alnnn tha trail corridors. access onto neo __ _ _ B Fort Worden State Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. C County Interpretive signage, parking, and Fairgrounds restroom services. D Kah Tai Lagoon Interpretive signage, parking, and Nature Park restroom services. E Cape George Road Interpretive signage, parking, horse corral and trailers, and restroom services. F Four Corners Interpretive signage, parking, horse corral and trailers, and restroom services. G Anderson Lake Interpretive signage, parking, horse State Park corral and trailers, and restroom services. H Gibbs or Beausite Interpretive signage, parking, and Lake County Park restroom services. I Discovery Bay Interpretive signage, parking, and restroom services. J Gardiner Interpretive signage, parking, and Community Club restroom services. K McCurdy Point Interpretive signage, parking, and Access services. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 L Cape George Interpretive signage, parking, and Trail east past Teal Lake to Bywater Access services. M Airport Cut-off Interpretive signage, parking, and Lakes Route east past Peterson Lake, Road services. N Old Fort Townsend Interpretive signage, parking, and Shine Tidelands State Park. State Park restroom services. O Irondale Park Interpretive signage, parking, and Quilcene. 16 Quilcene-Brinnon restroom services. P Bob Bates Park Interpretive signage, parking, and marina on Quilcene Bay, Devils Lake, restroom services. Q H.J. Carroll Park Interpretive signage, parking, and US -101 and Dosewallips Road to restroom services. R Port Ludlow RV Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. S Olympic Peninsula Interpretive signage, parking, and Visitors Center restroom services. T Quilcene River Interpretive signage, parking, and Access restroom services. U Dosewallips State Interpretive signage, parking, and Park restroom services. rorai rranneaas Multipurpose trail — minor systems Proposed trails — minor systems The following trail system may be developed to provide combined hike, bike, horse, and other appropriate trail use opportunities for less volume use compared with the major trails described above. These trail proposals will also be subject to feasibility studies with appropriate public and private participants. The trails generally follow public and forest roads, and utility right-of-way corridors, but may be located on public and/or private property where owners approve. 20 13 Teal Lake - Hood Multipurpose trail from Timberton Loop 3.0 Head Trail Trail east past Teal Lake to Bywater Ba /Shine Tidelands State Parks. 14 Cross State Trail Multipurpose trail from ODT Forest and 11.0 connection Lakes Route east past Peterson Lake, Ludlow Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Center to Shine Tidelands State Park. 15 SR -104 - Quilcene Multipurpose trail from ODT Forest and 7.5 Trail Lakes Route and SR -104 Trail south to Quilcene. 16 Quilcene-Brinnon Multipurpose trail from Quilcene River 9.0 Trail Park south past the boat launch and marina on Quilcene Bay, Devils Lake, Mount Walker, the old Stage Coach Route to Jackson Cove, then across US -101 and Dosewallips Road to Brinnon School. Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 17 Brinnon - Black Multipurpose trail from Dosewallips 2.0 Point Trail State Park south along US -101 to Pleasant Harbor marinas and Black Point. Total miles multipurpose trail — minor systems 32.5 Proposed trailheads — minor systems Signage, parking, restroom, and other trail services may be provided at the Winwinn sitar as wall as nther annronriate trail access sites along the routes. V Shine Tidelands Interpretive signage, parking, and State Park restroom services. W US -101 at Center Interpretive signage, parking, and Road restroom services. X Spencer Creek at Interpretive signage, parking, and US 101 restroom services. Y Brinnon Interpretive signage, parking, and Elementary School restroom services. Total trailheads — minor systems Chapter 9 Plan Elements 4 Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 3010 Larry Scott Trail — Port of Port Townsend to Four Corners Chapter 9 Plan Elements 9 a Fury to a M, blwd ,..—Off wTMev —aavM Lnaulaer "�,.. ,. •�----urvpayxa5 #"' �polW �i � SFnM1e Chapter 9 Plan Elements 9 Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Rick Tollefson Trail — Route Options Chapter 9 Plan Elements Jefferson County Non -Motorized Transportation and Recreational Trails Plan 2010 Olympic Discovery Trail – Port Townsend to Sequim Bay i. 0 0 Ma0 7,— EO E3 12 , U El UPapter 9 Plan Elements 1 I 6, U El UPapter 9 Plan Elements 1 I r rom: uiw iuy1 enccduao1.wm Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 2:04 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Larry Scott Memorial Trail/Olympic Discovery Trail Planning Inclusion "TIP" Commissioners: As a Jefferson County property owner and business owner directly on the route of a possible multipurpose trail bypass SR20 over Eaglemount, I strongly support including a planning study on the county's transportation improvement plan I am aware that the Public Works Director has stated that a trail route over Eaglemount "completely avoids all county businesses". I disagree. My Four Corners Store is a county business that would be directly on the proposed trail rout from the end of The Larry Scott Trail to the head of the bay. I believe my business would benefit from increased trail t if The Larry Scott Trail was connected to the Olympic Discovery Trail at the head of the bay. Something needs to be done about the dangerous situation on SR20! It is time for the County to start planning a Yours Very Truly, Brian Lundgren tilundgren22@aol.com From: Kristy Knickrehm <kristykn@wh idbey. net> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 12:01 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: extension of Larry Scott Trail Yesterday it was my pleasure to ride the Larry Scott Trail for the first time. Because of the dangerous road conditions, chose not to continue over to the Olympic Discovery Trail. It would be wonderful if the trails were joined, and it would I good for your local economy. You would draw more folks over from Whidbey Island, for one. I was able to walk my bil on the ferry & ride to the trail entrance. For most bikers, a 15 mile round trip ride is not long enough. Thank you — Kristy Knickrehm Whidbey Island bike rider HEARING RECORD From: Carol Scrol <cscrol@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 5:19 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: TIP Commonsense Hello, Discovery Trail expansion makes sense for our communities to increase access for bicyclists between the junction of Four Corners Rd. and Hwy. 20 and the mouth of Discovery Bay to promote safety and prevent deaths from bicycle -car collisions, and to keep car traffic moving safely near Eagle Mount where cars must swerve into the oncoming lane — on blind turns — to avoid bicyclists on the narrow or non -existing shoulder. Not unimportant, Discovery Trail expansion will benefit commuter bicyclists by creating a safe passage. What time is the meeting for TIP discussion on Nov. 2? Where will it convene? Sincerely, Carol Scrol Port Townsend, WA 1 Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA RE: Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail/ Jefferson County TIP f SEARING October 27; 2 OCT 27 2015 I write this as a member appointed to the recently established Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Advisory Council (PNNSTAC) by the Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. PNNSTAC held its first meeting in Sandpoint, Idaho this month. The PNNST is a congressionally designated trail passed by legislation sponsored by our own prior Congressman, Norm Dicks as well as our Senator, Maria Cantwell and placed under the US Forest Service as the managing agency. Improved routing of the trail along with the development of a comprehensive plan are tasks undertaken by this federally appointed citizen and agency committee. The trail is 1200 miles long with around 400 miles on roads. Like with all National Scenic Trails, the intent is to move the trail off main traffic arterials where possible. This trail runs from Glacier National Park in Montana to the Pacific Ocean, and in so doing crosses Island County to the Keystone Ferry, and then travels across Jefferson County through the Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park to the coast. Currently the designated route comes down Undie Road in the Bogachiel drainage and then heads across Rayonier land to Oil City Road, though this route is subject to change. The US Forest Service, while managing the trail as a National Scenic Trail, has stated that they fully recognize the authority of local and state government to manage sections which are established and maintained under their jurisdictions. The PNNST is routed along many established already designated trail systems, and it is meant to bean asset by adding national recognition. As is evident by the significance of the other national scenic trail in Washington, the Pacific Crest Trail, this recognition can be an asset with promoting our area for tourism and recreational activities without any real downside. It adds to the character attributes already associated with our communities. The legislation creating this trail only allows willing seller transactions where the federal government is involved. Being both the landowners' representative on the Advisory Council and being the Jefferson County Assessor, I am comfortable that there is no desire to transfer any private property rights except through willing seller transactions. For more information on this process, the Commissioners should contact the USFS Designated Federal Officer (DFO) for the trail, Matt McGrath (mtmcerath@fs.fed.us). The time may come when the federal government can assist with funding relocations off roads. However at this stage, the planning process associated with the Advisory Committee will occupy the next couple of years. With regards to the Jefferson County Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), the congressionally designated route has always been intended to be the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and any extension thereof up to Eaglemount. The route would likely stay on the Olympic Discovery Trail to US101. At that point it would head up into the Olympic Mountains, though an exact route is still dependent on support and future transactions from a few landowners between US101 and the USFS boundary. As it stands, the TIP projects for extending the Larry Scott Trail to the Transit Center, the improvements at Discovery Bay, and the culvert replacement on West Uncas Road would all logically involve and improve the PNNST route by keeping the modest number of annual thru-trail travelers safer. One area of concern that has been identified to the Advisory Council by thru-hikers this year is the SR20 shoulder which currently is the designated route. I would say from personal experience that this section's use isn't just limited to thru-hikers but to adventure bicyclists as well who visit the same social media websites that distance trail enthusiasts post on. This year there was a notable increase in backpackers and gear -loaded bicyclists trying to make their way up and down the shoulder -less SR20. This section is now notorious for the risks involved, and the vehicle drivers can be as frustrated as the non -motorized travelers. I actually came up the hill pulling a horse trailer about a month ago at less than 5 mph following a bicyclist who also had a full backpack on. The driver behind me thought I was tormenting him since he couldn't see the bicyclist and tried passing into on -coming traffic more than once. For a bicyclists, getting off the bike in a safe manner to walk it is itself highly risky. Public money is in short supply, and being a local official I fully recognize funding challenges. However there are many traffic and state highway safety improvement projects going on in our state that cost vastly more than what it may take to improve the situation on SR20. The number of nonmotorized users are likely to increase because of the two distance trail efforts (ODT and PNNST). Rerouting nonmotorized users along another safer road system, such as down Center Valley Road to SR104 just isn't really going to work since it is too far out of the way for those heading west from Port Townsend. I do feel the time has come to really study this issue and to try to come up with a better solution. Thank you, �JIF_FF lei`( Jeff Chapman, PNNST Advisory Council member 640 Cape George Road, Port Townsend WA 98368 cc: Matt McGrath, Designated Federal Officer, Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Monte Reinders, Public Works Director October 21. 2010 Jefferson County Commissioners P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Re: TIP — PNNST Partnership Commissioners: Commissioners: NEARING RECORD I lalI Baetz 60 lower Adelina Beach Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 OCT 2 8 2015 The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail ("PNT") was created by the National Trails System Act, P.L. 90-543, as amended through P.L. 111-11, March 30, 2009 (the "Act"). The PNT runs from Glacier National Park, Montana, to Cape Alava in Washington. Currently a part of the PNT funs from Port Townsend via the Larry Scott Memorial Trail to Discovery Road, then on State Route 20 over Eaglemount to Discovery Bay. The PNT route in this area, together with the Olympic Discovery Trail ["ODT"] which follows the same route, needs to be relocated off the highway so as to provide a safe route for hikers and other nonmotorized users of the PNT and the ODT. Under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, the Secretary of Agriculture, which acts through the Forest Service, must select the rights-of-way for the PNT. In selecting rights-of-way, the Secretary "shall obtain the advice and assistance of the States, local governments, private organizations, and landowners and land users concerned." Under section 7(b) of the Act, the Secretary is authorized to relocate segments of the PNT right-of-way" -- except for a "substantial relocation" which can only be done by an Act of Congress. The Act provides at section 7(e) that the Secretary shall encourage state and local governments to "enter into written cooperative agreements with landowners, private organizations, and individuals to provide the necessary trail right-of-way"; and "to acquire such lands or interests therein to be utilized as segments of the national scenic or national historic trail." The Act at section 7(h)(1) requires the Secretary to cooperate with and encourage the States to operate, develop, and maintain portions of such trails which are located outside the boundaries of federally administered areas as is the case here). Limited federal financial assistance in the acquisition, protection, operation, development, or maintenance of such trails is authorized under this section of the Act, when deemed to be in the public interest. Under section 7(h)(1) of the Act, the Secretary must "initiate consultations" with municipal subdivisions of the state — such as Jefferson County -- to "encourage (A) the development and implementation by such entities of appropriate measures to protect private landowners from trespass resulting from trail use and from unreasonable personal liability and property damage caused by trail use, and (B) the development and implementation by such entities of provisions for land practices compatible with the purposes of this Act, for property within or adjacent to trail rights-of-way." After consulting with States and their political subdivisions under, the Secretary may provide assistance to such entities under appropriate cooperative agreements in the manner provided by this subsection. The Forest Service is working on a comprehensive plan for the PNT, as required by the Act. The comprehensive plan must include, among other things, a "detailed explanation of anticipated necessary cooperative agreements for any lands not to be acquired ...." Act section 5(e)(2). The Forest Service is aware that Jefferson County has formally stated, in its 2010 Update to its Non -Motorized Transportation & Recreational Trails Plan (the "Plan"), that it will consider a partnership with the Forest Service and trail advocates to develop a trail route from Four Corners to Discovery Bay: The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), established by Congress in 2009, will extend from the Continental Divide in Montana to Cape Alava on Washington's Pacific Coast. The US Forest Service has been designated as the agency responsible for developing the PNT. It is anticipated that the PNT will use the Larry Scott Trail from the Port of Port Townsend to Four Corners and the ODT route from Four Corners to Discovery Bay, Jefferson County will consider a partnership with the Forest Service and trail advocatels] to develop this route. As required by section 7(a)(2) of the Act, we anticipate that the Forest Service will soon make contact with the County to encourage to provide advice and assistance regarding the trail; to enter into written cooperative agreements with landowners, private organizations, and individuals to provide the necessary trail right-of-way for the trail, in accordance with section 7(e) of the Act; to acquire such lands or interests therein to be utilized as segments of the national scenic or national historic trail, in accordance with section 7(e) of the Act; and to operate, develop, and maintain portions of such trails which are located outside the boundaries of federally administered land in accordance with section 7(h)(1) of the Act. 2 The Forest Service will also initiate consultations to encourage development and implementation by the County of appropriate measures to protect private landowners from trespass resulting from trail use and from unreasonable personal liability and property damage caused by trail use; and development and implementation by the County of provisions for land practices compatible with the purposes of the Act, for property within or adjacent to trail rights-of-way, in accordance with section 7(h)(1) of the Act. In anticipation of working in partnership with the Forest Service on the shared trail objectives, the County should include a planning project for the Trail on its TIP. Hall Baetz 60 Lower Adelma Beach Road Port Townsend, Wash. 98368 cc: Administrator Morley ieffbocc -►� �� '° -�,-� 5 HEARING From: Heidi Bloedel <heidibloedel@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 27, 2015 4:38 PM To: jeffbocc; selbyjl44@gmail.com; Janorth@Olympus.net Subject: bike trail study I am writing to encourage the study for the bike trail that needs to run from the end of the present trail clear to head of Discovery Bay. I love the bike trail but it needs to connect up with the rest of the trail crossing the peninsula. My dream is to cycle to the ocean with my grandchildren on the peninsula bike trail. Actually I think it is the most important issue in this area. If there was a complete trail, lots more people would use it. Bicycle tourists are really a big item that I think is often overlooked. If people had a safe trail, separate from the highway, LOTS more people would use it, resulting in so much more people using alternatives to their cars, plus whole families would feel safer if they knew their children were safe riding bikes. I have ridden a lot, and spent time riding from amsterdam to southern france. There are so many trails specifically for cycling and they are well used. This country is so behind in making this happen. Spending time in Copenhagen and all over Holland was an eye opener for me. In France there are so many small country roads not used so much by fast traffic plus drivers are more educated when it comes to respecting people traveling by bike. Eastern Europe also has a huge network of off road trails for bikers and hikers along with good signage. I just think its time for us to get a grip - get out of cars, be outdoors, feel healthy, will do a lot for economy of anyplace there are trails. It has been proven with the big trail systems in this country. Small dying towns are being revitalized with low impact tourism. Personally I hope the trail can be made along the old railway. I dont understand landowners' fears about having a beautiful trail go by their property. I think they just need to be educated by facts other communities have encountered. Thanks for listening - This needs to happen sooner than later ----- Heidi Bloedel (tired of having to take my bike in my car to park in Gardiner just to get started on the trail!) cc- Julie Shannon Io - I(5 From: Da%WSullivan Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 11:48 AM To: Julie Shannon Subject: FW: Discovery Bay East Trail / TIP From: Sunrise Coffee Company Sent: Friday, October 23, 2015 11:48:39 AM (UTC -08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: Phil Johnson; Kathleen Kier; David Sullivan Subject: Discovery Bay East Trail / TIP Dear Commissioners Johnson, Kler, and Sullivan: We are writing to ask that you consider including into the county's Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), a planning study for a multipurpose trail connecting the Larry Scott Trail and the Olympic Discovery Trail, aka Discovery Bay East Trail, at the head of Discovery Bay. The eventual buildout of this trail connector would allow users to bypass the extremely dangerous section of SR 20, saving lives/injuries and increasing the recreational opportunities for county citizens for many years to come. This new trail would also help the local economy and businesses like ours located at the heads of the proposed trail. The support of Non -motorized Transportation and the Recreational Trails Plan is a goal reflected in the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and the subsequent Jefferson County Resolution No 18- 10 approved and adopted by the BOCC on June 7, 2010. The support of this planning study is another step towards the county's stated goal of supporting Non -motorized Transportation solutions that are good for the economy, good for cutting vehicle emissions, and good for healthy sustainable alternatives to vehicular traffic. Bill Curtsinger Sue Ohlson Sunrise Coffee Company 308 10th St., PT, WA 98368 360-385-4117 sunrisecoffee.net Facebook: /sunrisecoffeecompany Twitter: _na sunrisecoffeept Instagram: La)sunrisecoffeept The Joseph Vance Building C z y 1402 Third Avenue, Suite 206 oz l ul X 115 Seattle, WA 98101CI )af/5 o2P 1 (206)735-7466 l To: Commissioner Johnson, Commissioner Sullivan and Commissioner Kler Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Cc: Jeff Selby and Hall Baetz From: Steve Durrant, Vice President, Alta Planning + Design Date: October 26, 2015 Re: Olympic Discovery East Trail - Proposal for Alignment Alternatives Analysis Dear Commissioners Johnson, Sullivan and Kier, OCT 2 6 2015 I have had interesting conversations with Jeff Selby of the Peninsula Trails Coalition (PTC) and Hall Baetz regarding the Discovery Bay East Trail project and the vision of extending the Olympic Discovery Trail between Port Townsend and Discovery Bay. Our own research and experience in the region confirms that completing this link will benefit your constituents in many ways by providing a boost to the economy, opportunities for active lifestyles, and improved transportation options. I urge you to include the Discovery Bay East Trail as an element of your long term plan for transportation and • capital development in Jefferson Couny. Alta would be delighted to share our trail design expertise to help Jefferson County and the community achieve this goal. Below we have described our understanding of the project and a scope of work for conducting a trail planning project. Also included are our initial ideas for potential funding sources for trail planning, design, and construction. Project Understanding Currently, there is a gap in trail connectivity (a missing link) between the end of the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, at Discovery Road and the Olympic Discovery Trail 6.5 miles away in Discovery Bay. As a result, people walking or bicycling between those two trail points must use State Route (SR) 20, a highway with fast vehicle speeds and a narrow shoulder. (The only alternative is a 17.7 mile route down Center Rd on to SR -104 and then US 101, where traffic counts are between 5000 and 10,000 vehicles a day.) These are not safe or comfortable routes even for experienced and confident pedestrians and cyclists and they are especially not appropriate for equestrians, for the disabled or for people of all ages and abilities. Given this concern, the community has been actively advocating for Jefferson County to undertake a trail planning project to identify a trail alignment that by-passes SR 20. Ten alignment options have been identified for the Olympic Discovery East Trail. Alta will use these options as a starting point for conducting an analysis and evaluation. We will evaluate the accuracy and completeness and supplement that work where necessary. Our work will unfold in a logical and linear sequence: collect and digest existing information, conduct site analysis, • prepare design guidelines, develop route alternatives, evaluate alternatives and make recommendations, prepare cost estimates, phasing and funding, cost sharing, and conduct public engagement. During this process we will Olympic Discovery Trail —Alignment Alternatives Analysis •work closely with Jefferson County and stakeholders to utilize volunteer resources for project knowledge, on-going field work, public outreach, and advocacy. Scope of Work Site Analysis In producing a high-level snapshot of existing conditions of the corridor, our team will supplement existing sources of data and knowledge, especially your familiarity with potential alignments and stakeholders. Alta staff will conduct site -analysis visit(s). We will provide a memo that describes and summarizes the key challenges, opportunities, and constraints along the trail corridor. Design Guidelines We will develop design guidelines to support a consistent design standard for a nommotorized multi -use trail. Working with the county, the affected landowners, potential users (such as equestrians, hikers, road cyclists, walkers, mountain bikers, disabled persons) and other stakeholders, and upon a review of national best practices and existing trail design requirements and guidelines developed by partnering agencies, including government agencies, the PTC, and the affected landowners, Alta will prepare proposed design guidelines for the various segments of the trail. Our guidelines will incorporate typical trail cross-sections, on -street treatments, trail/street intersections, creek crossings, driveway crossings, preferred trail surfaces, signing and pavement markings, lighting, drainage, wayfinding signage, and photo examples of preferred designs. The design guidelines will incorporate a combination of proven designs, best practices and new designs developed •by Alta. Alta staff will work closely with the county and the stakeholders on the content, graphics, and language of the design guidelines. The design guidelines will include a visual glossary of terms and treatments. It will be user- friendly, highly visual, and will serve to guide development of the trail network. Routes Alternatives Alta will conduct an evaluation of the ten alignment options previously identified using available mapped data such as topography, environmental constraints and parcel ownership. Furthermore, we will conduct a two-day site visit to field -verify up to three mapped routes and connecting points of interest. We will review, refine and finalize the mapping; compute grades and distances; overlay county ownership maps and numbers; include appropriate legends; and prepare the maps for printing, presentation and projection. Evaluation of Alternatives and Recommendation Alta will compose several alternatives for interim and long-term development, including creek crossings and logical segments for phased development. Where there are several potential alignments, we will compose an evaluation process for identifying the most advantageous solution considering safety, different user groups, user experience, convenience, property acquisition, right-of-way, implementation cost, maintenance, ease of permitting, and connectivity to the communities. Cost Estimates We will work with the County and the stakeholders to estimate design and construction costs on each phase of the preferred route and design. • Phasing & Funding 21 Olympic Discovery Trail — Alignment Alternatives Analysis • Our analysis will provide recommendations for phasing of the design and development of the trail, estimates of costs of each of the phases, and proposals for funding implementation for each of the phases. We will work the county and the stakeholders to develop a realistic funding plan, including timing, for design and construction of each phase of the project. Public Engagement Our approach to public outreach will be informed by Alta's extensive experience implementing comprehensive partner, stakeholder, and public engagement programs. Working with Jefferson County staff and stakeholders, we will conduct early interviews with key stakeholders, user groups and representatives, partner agencies, neighborhoods, businesses, and property owners to identify critical issues and clearly define desired plan outcomes, organizational goals, and priorities. We will assist in organizing, making presentations to and getting decisions from the stakeholders on the preferred route and design. From these interviews, presentations and meetings, we anticipate that key messages will emerge to establish a consistent framework for the project. We will conduct regular meetings with the county and stakeholders to provide direction at key decision points, such as design guidelines and route alternatives. Given the large geographic area covered by the project area, we propose an open house to solicit ideas from stakeholders, potential users and community members. We will work with the county and stakeholders to display route alternatives and design components to present to the public for feedback. This open house will be a highly participatory session with the opportunity for stakeholders and community members to provide immediate feedback to the design team, resulting in a clear sense of public preferences about the function, design, alignment, • and identity of the trail alternatives. Potential Funding Sources We will work with federal, state, county, city and other agencies to identify possible sources of funding for the project. Here are some potential state, county, federal and local funding sources for trail planning: • Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) • Regional FHWA and Non -motorized set aside • WSDOT Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program • Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) • Transportation Alternatives Program We will explore funding support from other governmental entities such as the City of Port Townsend, JPUD#1, Washington State Parks, WSDOT and the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe. We will also explore with the county, other stakeholders the possibility of independent development by others of some phases of the trail. Local foundations, businesses and organizations sometimes support community projects, especially those that complement their mission to create healthy communities or improve community relations. For example: • Local foundations and businesses (Walmart store in Sequim, Safeway in Port Townsend) • Site enhancement or mitigation for development or transportation projects • Jefferson Healthcare 13 Olympic Discovery Trail -Alignment Alternatives Analysis • COSY Subject to finalization of the exact scope and terms of our work, we anticipate that fees for our services will be in the range of $75,000, depending on availability of base information, number of public meetings and presentations. We would be thrilled to be part of this exciting project to help Jefferson County, PTC, and Olympic Peninsula community realize their vision to develop a premier trail for recreation and transportation. Please contact me at stevedurrant@altaplanning.com or (206) 735-7466 should you wish to discuss our proposal in further detail. • is Sincerely, Alta Planning + Design Steve Durrant, ASLA Principal & Vice President Alta Planning + Design is the national leader in the planning and design of bicycle and pedestrian improvements. With over 150 staff in 30 offices, Alta brings two decades of experience in this specialization. Alta is known for its innovation in on -street bicycle facilities, off-road trails and safe accommodation of people walking and riding bicycles for transportation and recreation. Alta's Seattle office includes 12 professional staff with deep experience in studying trail alignment alternatives and building trails that neighbors and visitors love to use. 41 • Trail System Master Planning & Design Trails projects often pose unique technical, environmental, and political challenges, requiring creative design solutions. Trails represent a slice of America's landscape and culture, with the potential to enhance a commu- nity's unique characteristics and fivability. Alta provides complete trail master planning and design services, including alternatives analysis, environ- mental documentation, property acquisition strate gics, construction cngmccring and administration, permitting, accurate cost estimation, maintenance and management plans, and funding strategies. Our experience spans a wide range of environments from urban to rural including sensitive natural resource areas, parks, rail and utility corridors, street right-of-ways, and suburban and industrial settings. We plan and design al I sizes of trails from regional multi -use greenways to small hiking and seasonal trails from the neighborhood to state-wide scale. We understand the specific needs of trail is users including pedestrians, bicyclists, equestrians, mountain cyclists, and those with mobilitympair- ments. We strive to enrich the trail user experience through a unique design identity that responds to the particular needs and opportunities of each project environment. • The 15 -mile Fanno Creek Greenway Trail corridor in Oregon weaves through five cities and two counties. Alta led a multi -disciplinary team through the design, permitting, and construction phases for a challenging half -mile - long gap. Today, t 1 boardwalks span sensitive wetland areas and streams through the densely -wooded area adjacent to the creek. The Stafford Basin Trail in Lake Oswego, Oregon, included construction of a 250 -foot boardwalk across a wetland, turning a perceived obstacle into the highlight of the trail. The boardwalk has a steel frame with recycled plastic decking that will require less maintenance than a traditional wooden boardwalk, but maintains the look and feel of wood. Alta conducted an analysis and prepared construction documents for a missing gap on the Springwater Corridor Trail system in Portland, Oregon, Extensive field work determined that there was sufficient room within the 40-60 foot rail right-of-way to accommodate the a 10 -12 -foot -wide paved, multi -use trail. 0 Trail and Greenway Design, continued The 1,200 -foot floating walkway along the Eastbank Esplanade in Portland, Oregon, enables the path to run next to the highway, and offers the sensation of walking on water. Alta developed the master plan and led construction document preparation for the Razorback Greenway in Northwest •Arkansas. This regional network of bicycle and pedestrian facilities will connect citizens and visitors to heritage, recreational and cultural assets, and a healthier lifestyle. Alta prepared design and construction documents for this 1.5 -mile multi- use trail and 20 -car trailhead in Lancaster, California. The team overcame challenges that included meeting an aggressive schedule of completing bid documents, addressing caliche soil conditions, and obtaining a CalTrans Encroachment Permit within the tight project schedule. .. Trail and Greenway Design, continued w • 0 Alta worked with the City of Berkeley to design a safe and functional bicycle -pedestrian multi -use pathway that connects the 9th Street Bicycle Boulevard to the south City Limit, including mid -block crossings on City streets. id r�r� rxacrs Alta provided full landscape architectural services for Kaiser Woods Park, which encompasses six tracts of land surrounding the Arborwood neighborhood in Washington County, Oregon. The design team provided site reconnaissance work, design development drawings, construction documents,specifications, cost estimates, bidding assistance, and construction observation for the park improvements. The Tualatin High School Cross -Country Running Trail project included site analysis, design development drawings, construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates. The Saranac River Trail is a newly -constructed 3 -mile non -motorized path that runs from the shoreline of Lake Champlain along the river and through the town. Alta provided the feasibility study for the first phase of the project, 30% construction drawings, and assistance on a successful TE grant application. e�oc « � NEARING REC From: Herschelman, Tina <therschelm@jgh.org> Sent: Thursday, October 29, 2015 3:20 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: White, Suzy Subject: Letter from Mike Glenn, CEO Jefferson Healthcare to Board of Commissioners, Jefferson County Attachments: Trails Letter—sig 102915.pdf Hello, Attached please find a letter from Mike Glenn in support of the proposal to study and plan a continuation of the Olympic Discovery Trails submitted by the Peninsula Trails Coalition. A hardcopy will follow to P.O. Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Thank you, Tina Tina Herschelman Administrative Assistant Jefferson Healthcare 834 Sheridan, Port Townsend, WA 98368 Office 360.385.2200 x2005 Fax 360.379.2242 the rschelmCa)ieffersonhealthcare. orq jefferson Healt-l"Icare 1 October 29, 2015 Board of Commissioners Jefferson County P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Jefferson County Commissioners: Jefferson Healthcare I am writing on behalf of Jefferson Healthcare in support of the proposal to study and plan a continuation of the Olympic Discovery Trail submitted by the Peninsula Trails Coalition. We partner with local and regional organizations such as the Peninsula Trails Coalition and the Port Townsend Marathon Association (Rhody Run) in support of healthy activities for the benefit of Jefferson County residents. We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016 - 2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreation and transportation trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the new Discovery Bay South Trail near Highway 101 at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and other non -motorized users to bypass the very dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. We want to express our strong support for this trail addition as both a safety improvement and an enhancement of the outstanding regional trail network on the Olympic Peninsula. The return will be considerable both in terms of healthy, safe outdoor recreation and active transportation opportunities for the residents and in the increased attractiveness of the area as a travel destination. The section of Highway 20 in question is notorious as a challenging and dangerous stretch of shared highway. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone we encourage the inclusion of a feasibility study for a shared use path in the County's 2016 TIP. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the TIP and this wonderful potential community addition to Jefferson County. 'Sincerely, %k 401 Mike Glenn Chief Executive Officer Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Home Health and Hospice Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Clinics: e Internal Medicine • Family Medicine • Jefferson Medical & Pediatric Group ■ Madrona Family Medicine • Oncology Clinic • Orthopedic Clinic • Port Ludlow Clinic • Port Townsend Physical Therapy • Primary Care • Sleep Medicine • South County Medical Clinic • Surgical Associates • Walk-in Clinic 834 Sheridan Port Townsend, Washington 98368 360-385-2200 ww NN.jeffersonhealthcarc;.org October 29, 2015 Board of Commissioners Jefferson County P.O. Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Jefferson County Commissioners: 61 RY5 c([2 1165 Jefferson Healthcare I am writing on behalf of Jefferson Healthcare in support of the proposal to study and plan a continuation of the Olympic Discovery Trail submitted by the Peninsula Trails Coalition. We partner with local and regional organizations such as the Peninsula Trails Coalition and the Port Townsend Marathon Association (Rhody Run) in support of healthy activities for the benefit of Jefferson County residents. We understand that Jefferson County Public Works is considering including in its draft 2016 - 2021 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) a feasibility study for a recreation and transportation trail link between the Larry Scott Memorial Trail, near Four Corners Road, and the new Discovery Bay South Trail near Highway 101 at the head of Discovery Bay. This trail link would allow hikers, cyclists, equestrians, and other non -motorized users to bypass the very dangerous section of State Route 20 over Eaglemount. We want to express our strong support for this trail addition as both a safety improvement and an enhancement of the outstanding regional trail network on the Olympic Peninsula. The return will be considerable both in terms of healthy, safe outdoor recreation and active transportation opportunities for the residents and in the increased attractiveness of the area as a travel destination. The section of Highway 20 in question is notorious as a challenging and dangerous stretch of shared highway. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone we encourage the inclusion of a feasibility study for a shared use path in the County's 2016 TIP. Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the TIP and this wonderful potential community addition to Jefferson County. Sincerely, %,V �01 Mike Glenn Chief Executive Officer Jefferson Healthcare Hospital Home Health and Hospice Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Clinics: • Internal Medicine • Family Medicine • Jefferson Medical & Pediatric Group • Madrona Family Medicine • Oncology Clinic • Orthopedic Clinic ■ Port Ludlow Clinic • Port Townsend Physical Therapy ■ Primary Care ■ Sleep Medicine • South County Medical Clinic • Surgical Associates • Walk -In Clinic 834 Sheridan Port Townsend, Washington 98368 360-385-2200 www.jeffersonhealtheare.org cr, effbocc From: srchapink`rchapin@gmail. com> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2015 8:33 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Peninsula Trail Coalition Larry Scott Trail HEARING RECORD Bocc, I am a daily user of trails in our town. I am a weekly user of the Larry Scott trail, from PT to Adelma BeachA am thrilled as the move to connect the trail to PA. Sign me up. Add me to the list of supporters. As it is now, getting any further is unsafe. We bicyclers risk our life and limb when we "share" the road with cars, trucks and often agressive drivers. Thank you for your hard work and good decision making. Sally Roxanne Chapin 5830 Hill Street Port Townsend 385-7789 Chapin Set Design Inc. 110srcha ip magmail.com https://www.flickr.com/photos/42815842gNO2/ "There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which can not fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance - that principle is contempt prior to investigation." —HERBERT SPENCER • HEARING RECORD jeftocc From: McGrath, Matthew T -FS <mtmcg rath@fs. fed. us> Sent: Friday, October 30, 2015 12:13 PM To: jeffbocc Cc: bbbranch@olympus.net Subject: Transportation Improvement Program comments Attachments: PNNST comment on TIP.pdf Hello, attached please find my comments on the 2016-2021 TIP. Thank you. Matt McGrath 9 Matt McGrath Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Program Manager Forest Service Pacific Northwest and Northern Regions p:425-583-9304 mtmcgrath@fs.fed.us 2930 Wetmore Ave, Suite 3A Everett, WA 98201 hftp://www.fs.usda.gov V91 Caring for the land and serving people 9 ` Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region 1220 SW Third Avenue (97204) P.O. Box 3623 Portland, OR 97208-3623 File Codes 2300 Date: October 30, 2015 Subject: Jefferson County Transportation Improvement Program To: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners PO Box 1220 Port Townsend, WA 98368 Commissioners: I am writing to encourage you to support the study and potential development of a non - motorized trail to extend the Larry Scott Trail along Highway 20. The United States Forest Service is the administering agency for the Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT), a long distance non -motorized route that follows the path of the Larry Scott Trail and then the shoulder of Highway 20 to Discovery Bay before entering the Olympic National Forest. Tke .Paces Northwest National Scenic Trail The Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail (PNT) is a 1200 mile route that travels from the Continental Divide in Montana to the Pacific Ocean in Olympic National Park. The PNT was designated as.a National Scenic Trail in 2009 under the authority of the National Trails System Act (NTSA) with strong support from Congressman Norm Dicks and Senator Maria Cantwell. The United States Forest Service (USES) was assigned the role of administering agency for the trail and is responsible for the development of a comprehensive plan for future management and administration of the PNT. The Secretary of Agriculture has appointed a 27 member Advisory Council to assist the Forest Service in the development of this plan. Their first meeting was held in Sandpoint, Idaho earlier this month while their second meeting is planned for May, 2016. We are currently evaluating locations to host this meeting in Clallum, Jefferson or Island County. The PNT is a work in progress. While it is by law a non -motorized trail, more than 400 :miles of roads are currently used to provide a continuous 1200 mile opportunity for hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers. The Forest Service is working with other land management agencies, communities, and volunteers to improve the route by relocating the PNT from road to trail, when possible. While thru-hiking is often seen as the primary use of a long distance National Scenic Trail, the reality is that the vast majority of use of these trails occurs on day trips near trailside communities. The Forest Service is interested in working with Jefferson County to improve recreational opportunities available to hikers, horsemen, and cyclists in this area whether they are out for an hour, a day, or are thru-hiking the entire PNT. 2 federal agencies work in concert with state and municipal governments and volunteers to manage and improve the trail. The Act directs the Secretary of Agriculture (acting through the Forest Service) to select the final rights-of-way for the PNT. In selecting these rights-of-way, the Secretary "shall obtain the advice and assistance of the States, local governments, private organizations, and landowners and land users concerned." The Act also requires the Secretary to cooperate with and encourage the States to operate, develop, and maintain portions of such trails which are located outside the boundaries of federally administered areas. Limited federal financial assistance in the acquisition, protection, operation, development, or maintenance of such trails is authorized by this section when deemed to be in the public interest. The Forest Service will be working with the Advisory Council and local communities over the next several years to identify potential trail relocations and priorities. Regardless of decision made on the current Transportation Improvement Program the Forest Service is committed to working with state and municipal governments and local communities to improve non. -motorized trail opportunities in which we have a mutual interest. I am available to answer questions about the PNT or discuss options for future collaboration at anytime. Please contact me at 425-583-9304 or mtmcgrathnu.fs.fed.us at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. MATT MCGRATH Pacific Northwest National Scenic Trail Program Manager United States Forest Service 2930 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 3A Everett, WA 98201 cc: Jeff Chapman, PNNST Advisory Council Cc-�, ?,�-a��s HEARING RECORD From: Philip Jensen <philiparthurjensen@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2015 7:12 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: bike trail Hello,Phi1 Jensen here..I ride Larry Scot nearly everyday..A great trail..The expansion to Sequim would be wonderful..Maybe I'll get another saddlebag for the other side of my bike so when the trail is complete I can go to Costco !...all the best ... Phil CC ` ` �`� 1"a"� HEARING RECORD From: Douwe Rienstra <douwe@rienstraclinic.com> Sent: Saturday, October 31, 2015 9:27 AM To: jeffbocc Subject: Larry Scott Trail Dear Commissioners, Today it is raining, but in contrast to the usual state of affairs the snowpack in the high country is not accumulating. As everyone now knows, there are many consequences including water shortages, stress to our forests, increased forest fires, diminished salmon returns, and more to come. Climate scientists tell us that our pollution of the atmosphere with carbon has caused and continues to cause this. Among the remedies will be increased use of alternate methods of travel. The Olympic Discovery Trail constitutes part of this solution. I urge you on behalf of all of us and of the coming generations to support this project to the greatest extent possible. Sincerely, Douwe Rienstra, MD 708 Kearney Street Port Townsend, WA 98368 www.RienstraClinic.com 360 385 5658 360 343 3201 fax From: Sent: To: Subject: Dear commissioners, Rosa Gonzalez <muneca062762@aol.com> Saturday, October 31, 2015 5:07 PM jeffbocc Larry Scott Trail HEARING RECORD The trail extension from the 4 -corners trailhead to Discovery Bay and connecting with the Olympic Discovery trail is a very good idea. Eliminating the safety hazard to bikers as well as motorists traveling along HWY 101 is a positive result for everyone. This trail system enhances quality of life and property values, and brings dollars to Jefferson County through tourism. Thank you, Chris Black and Rosa Gonzalez, 168 Silverberry Place, Port Townsend, WA. Ce iefFbocc From: L Peterson <camppeterson103@gmail. com> Sent: Sunday, November 01, 2015 12:28 PM To: jeffbocc Subject: Transportation Improvement Plan - Larry Scott Trail/ODT and Jefferson County Transit It is my wish that a planning study for a multipurpose recreational trail to connect the Larry Scott Memorial Trail and the Olympic Discovery Trail at the head of Discovery Bay be included in the TIP. The trail — sometimes called the Discovery Bay East Trail (the "DBET") --would bypass the extremely dangerous section of SR 20 over Eaglemount. I believe it would increase SAFE recreational opportunities, and complete the wonderful ODT. I find that it is very difficult in my area of Jefferson County to find a safe place to ride a bike much less walk to a bus stop to put a bike on the bus. I live off of Paradise Bay Road/Tala Shore. Around 2005 The Jefferson County Transit ordered the buses to stop picking up and dropping off at the end of our road that intersects with Paradise Bay. The bus drivers said it was for safety concerns. I sent a form to the JCT to discuss this issue, but was only sent a notification of receipt of my form and was told I would be contacted at a later date. This never happened. I made calls... nothing. The Manager at that time, Dave? did return my call one time after I walked to Paradise Bay with suitcase in tow only to have the bus pass me up about 50 feet from the bus stop (it was uncharacteristically early). The driver saw me wave ahead of time, but did not stop. I was a bit upset and made another call; the Transit Manager said he would look into the matter and get back to me. He never did. I gave UP. I would very much like to use the bus to commute to Port Townsend, Port Hadlock, Kitsap County, but it is not a safe area to walk to a bus stop a mile a way, especially with a suitcase, shopping bag or bike. The school bus stops on Paradise Rd off Tala Shore, but the Transit will not. There are many older people in the area, that in my opinion, would be safer (for all) if they took the bus, but they are not at the point of qualifying for "Dial a Ride" so continue to drive. Please consider changes in the Transit system to offer a safe commute for all. Linda Peterson 360-437-0849 Ce iefFbocc From: Teren MacLeod <teren@ptproperty.com> Sent: Monday, November 02, 2015 7:00 AM To: jeffbocc Cc: 'Jeff Selby'; Teren MacLeod Subject: Benefits of trail systems to real estate values and property enjoyment FOR THIS MORNINGS SESSIONS REGARDING TRAIL SYSTEMS Commissioners: I am a real estate broker who happens to have two parcels with easements on the Larry Scott Trail. I am also an avid walker and horse -back rider. Being connected to the trail system has not only improved our quality of life to access and enjoy the outdoors, but has increased the value and desirability of our home should we ever decide to sell. The proximity to trail systems and greenbelts is of optimum value to most buyers, and is one of the attributes clients look for in deciding to purchase a property. Teren MacLeod 241 Sand Road Port Townsend, WA 98368 )ker Olympic Peninsula Real Estate Resource www.ptproperty.com 360-774-1441 ReMax First, Inc., Port Townsend Hall Bartz, Adelma Beach HEARING RECORD This Public Hearing lets you listen to and be guided by what the public has to say. And remarkably, everyone you have heard agrees that you should study and plan a trail. Everyone from the State Patrol to Pope Resources to the Program Manager for the Pacific Northwest Trail has reached out to you to start planning. And no citizen at this hearing has disagreed. The massive support, with no opposition, should guide you in what you do. Y t) 2 2015 You have asked whether a trail planning project should be part of your transportatioi improvement plan. Look at your own internal briefing materials at pages 51-52 and 60. And look at your own TIPs, where multipurpose trails are always placed: Larry Scott, Rick Tollefson, Milo Curry ODT, Maynard ODT— they are all on your TIPS. It was suggested that we harness all this energy and direct to another place. But, even after talking with your Administrator, its not clear where. Parks and Rec has even fewer resources than are available under the TIP. No other state or municipal agency has the broad responsibility that you do. Private organizations have been working on this for two decades, without success. Its been asserted that the County can't afford it. The cost of the study could be paid for with grants even if you do not fully fund it now. But grants can't even be pursued if its not on the TIP. The reality is that the County can't afford not to plan this. Jefferson County is in economic trouble. Over time, this trail, and the world-class web of trails it will be a part of, will bring millions of dollars in revenues to your citizens. Strong moves to help your County find new healthy sources of revenue are called for. Inaction is a bad choice. I believe that one of you, nearing the end of your service to the County, has wanted to see this trail developed for his whole tenure here. The opportunity to move ahead has finally arrived. There is real community momentum, which awaits your motion. 1 believe that your chairman will make sure that the project will not expand into something the County cannot handle, and will make sure that the costs are borne equitably by all of the stakeholders who will benefit from it — not just by the Count. And your newest member now has the chance to take action on a great project for the generations of tomorrow, without undue risks to projects that need to be done today. As John F. Kennedy said, "There are risks and costs to a program of action. But they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction." All that have written and spoken to you call upon you to add this project to the TIP. Listen to them and take action that will move us ahead. 59 - �C'� I'm Donald Crist, from Aelma Beach. HEARING RECORD`. I have two topics: First — what is a multi -use trail? The stated objective of the Olympic Discovery Trail is to provide a multi- use system of trails — suitable for the following: • Bicycles, hikers, horse riders, strollers, families, learners, kids, and disablei;'L*r®? 2015 It is not intended to be a'road warriors' cyclist -only trail! Most of my riding is on the Larry Scott Trail in the PT to Four Corners Road vicinity. The one 'constant' I see is that there are usually as many hikers & walkers, including people pushing strollers —as there are other bike riders. On the Larry Scott Trail, it's a rare day when I don't see horse riders (or at least recent 'evidence' of horse activity!) along the trail. This 'openness' towards a wide variety of users must remain a priority in any planning for future segments of the Trail, and in my mind raises very serious concerns regarding suitability of the Center Road —SR104 alternate routing, my second topic. Jefferson County (and others) propose an 'alternate route' to the current Milo Curry to SR20 over Eaglemount Hill to Discovery Bay. The County's 'alternate temporary' route sends traffic East from Milo Curry on Four Corners Road, South on SR19, South on Center Road, West on SR104, and finally North on SR101 to Discovery Bay. Here's my comments on each segment of the 'alternate route': Four Corners Road —1.6 miles — narrow shoulders, rough pavement beyond the 'fog line', several non - flush water covers, many gravely driveways, a bicycle fatality in the past —speed limit is 40 mph — moderate to light traffic. It's OK for adult single file riding. It's poor for walkers, no for horses; no for kids, learners, strollers, the disabled, etc. SR19 — 2.8 miles— Very narrow shoulder from Four Corners road to Anderson Lake Road; better later. Recent biking fatality on the narrow -shoulders section. Lots of driveways and loose gravel. Speed limit 40 mph; typically lots of traffic, including heavy trucks. Marginal for walking, no for horses, no for kids, learners, strollers, disabled. Center Road — 6.9 miles — Good shoulders. Light traffic, but 55 mph speed over your shoulder is intimidating! OK for hikers & horses who like asphalt. Difficult for kids, learners, strollers, disabled. SR104 —4.7 miles— Good shoulders full length. Typically moderate to heavy traffic, lots of trucks, and a 60 mph speed limit; with many well over that! Almost 2 miles of steep hills. It's scary for experienced cyclists. Can't imagine horses or hikers here. Absolutely not for kids, learners, strollers, disabled. SR101— 2.0 miles — Generally good shoulders the full length. Moderate to heavy traffic, lots of trucks, and a 55 mph speed limit; again, many well over that! Scary for experienced cyclists; a dangerous intersection at SR20. Can't imagine horses or 'pleasure' hikers here. Absolutely not for kids, learners, strollers, disabled. Total distance: 18 miles, versus 6.5 on SR20, and approximately 8 miles for the proposed DBET routing. Personal conclusion: this alternate routing is totally not at all in keeping with the intended character of the Olympic Discovery Trail. It is noisy and continually 'disturbed' by high speed heavy traffic. It is not a reasonable or safe substitute to completing the currently proposed DBET trail. I believe this temporary substitute may be marginally OK for experienced riders, but it is totally unsuited for hikers, horse riders, children, learners, strollers and the mobility impaired. I think we all could agree that the 'original' routing along SR20 over Eaglemount is a bad idea, and I believe it might have exposed the County to legal risk. But I personally feel that if the County formally recommends the SR104 / SR101 routing, it is just as much at risk as was the case before if someone is injured. To me, it's a case of trading a headache for an upset stomach; neither is very pleasant! I urge the Commissioners — get this current DBET study on the TIP! Thank you.