HomeMy WebLinkAboutRual Tourism Support Program Grant Committee commit, Board of CountyCommissioners
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Q 1820 Jefferson Street
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Port Townsend, WA 98368
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Kate Dean,District I Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3
April 18, 2022
To: Rural Tourism Support Program Grant Committee, c/o Matthew Ozuna
Jefferson County fully supports the Chamber of Jefferson County's application, as the City DMO for"Rural
Tourism Support program"on behalf of the community of Port Townsend, WA. As our area emerges from the
pandemic, we are focused not just on the revitalization of tourism to this destination rich in natural beauty,
culture and history. We aim to bring increased vibrancy to the sector by transforming it from a seasonal-weekend
escape to a year-round, 7 day a week destination. Doing this in a way that is environmentally, economically and
socially sustainable is foundational to our shared vision.
Some of the main barriers to achieving this vision include but aren't limited to parking in the downtown core,
direct ferry access from Seattle or other alternate transportation options, and staffing issues throughout all
business sectors (exacerbated by limited housing stocks).
We are looking to increase the number of visitors who might arrive via public transportation or utilize bike share
and bus options while visiting to decrease congestion for visitors and residents. Increasing our transportation
options and frequency will not only help visitors and residents get to and from Port Townsend. It will provide
easy, predictable transportation for workers to support our businesses.
Improving transportation solutions is just one piece of the sustainable puzzle. We also want to connect visitors to
our organizations outside the tourist sector such as the rich, sustainable farming community in Chimacum, our
diverse wood working trades, and many cultural activities and natural bounty throughout Jefferson County. As
part of the Olympic Peninsula, opportunities to learn about, and help support nature through voluntourism
abound. Younger visitors seek authentic experiences, not just dine and shop, and we seek to cultivate that.
Jefferson County looks forward to supporting this by participating in the Stakeholder group, assisting with
community outreach and research, identifying Action Teams and helping to identify and secure resources for
priority projects. We believe this RTS program grant will help us lay a strong foundation for a sustainable, year-
round tourist sector that benefits all Port Townsend residents and businesses and all of Jefferson County.
Sincerely,
Jeffers n County Board of Commissi ers
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to Dean eidi Eisenhour, Chair reg Brothe on
District 1 District 2 District 3
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us