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HomeMy WebLinkAbout090622 Letter re: Hood Canal Bridge scheudled closures effect on OP Travel WASHINGTON FESTIVALS 11 & EVENTS ASSOCIATION .....-�- ,fea.org RECEIVED 1015 Georgiana St. Port Angeles WA 98362 August 30, 2022 SEP 0 6 2022 JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Mr. Steve Roark Regional Administrator, Olympic Region Washington State Department of Transportation 7407—31'Ave. NE Lacey, WA 98516 Dear Steve: I wanted to let you know that several Olympic Peninsula events and therefore local business could be severely impacted by"four total weekend closures (of the Hood Canal Bridge)...sometime between spring and early fall 2023." The Washington Festivals and Events Association is the organization for festivals and events in the State, and over 50 events on the North Olympic Peninsula. Events are a part of the robust tourism sector on the Peninsula.Tourism generates$886 million in director visitor spending, which in turn generates nearly$72 million in state and local taxes while supporting 6,400 direct jobs. The period between May 15 and October 15 is the peak season for events on the Olympic Peninsula.The closure of the bridge (and any other traffic disruption), will have a severe impact on them and the businesses that depend on them. We understand that WSDOT must close the bridge during the aforementioned time period—our only hope is that you will take into consideration when major events are held on the Peninsula: • June 2-4, North Olympic Discovery Marathon • July 21-23, Sequim Lavender weekend • July 22-23, Grand opening of new Field Hall Arts and Events Center in Port Angeles • August 26-27, Makah Days, Neah Bay • August 29—September 1,THING Concert, Fort Worden, Port Townsend • September 8-10, Port Townsend Wooden Boat Festival • September 14-17, Forever Twilight Festival, Forks • September 21-24, Port Townsend Film Festival • October 13-15, Dungeness Crab and Seafood Festival y- WASHI\GTON FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION wfea.org 1015 Georgiana St. Port Angeles WA 98362 WFEA urges WSDOT to consider the impact over these dates and to avoid any planned Hood Canal Bridge closures during the dates of these key events. When events are negatively impacted by a decrease in traffic, small business is significantly impacted. Thanks you for allowing us to give input. Sincerely, Bruce Skinner Executive Director Cc: Marsha Massey, Executive Director, Olympic Peninsula Tourism Commission Clallam County Board of Commissioners Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Forks Chamber of Commerce Clallam Bay/Sekiu Chamber of Commerce Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce City of Forks City Council City of Port Angeles City Council City of Sequim City Council City of Port Townsend City Council Clallam County Economic Development Council, Colleen McAleer, Executive Director EDC Team,Jefferson County, Cindy Brooks Executive Director 0. r: I 0 - 1 -. • • ci c ,,,, ....- C 0 ;, c F LI 3 _1Zil 0 4% is ‹ icy c• — yt i ID iv UI N . M ,7; x a LLJbr LL �. - yv N ¢ .- ,..