HomeMy WebLinkAbout011823 American Rescue Plan Act________________________________
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January 18, 2023
Dear commissioners,
We read in today’s PDN that there are still some unobligated American Rescue Plan Act funds. This letter is to offer a suggestion for utilizing some of those funds.
The Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) runs nearly 140 miles to La Push, WA. This is a nationally significant trail which has received funding from Federal, State and Local governments.
The ODT originates in Port Townsend! Yet we have no developed trailhead. The public restroom in Boat Haven has been closed for years and replaced by one (and recently two) sanikans.
There is essentially no sign marking the start of the trail, no kiosk with explanatory information about the ODT, and no designated parking. This is a regretable situation for a trail
touted as a major attraction of the northern Olympic Peninsula. It is also not in keeping with other trail access points where restrooms, parking and signage are in place.
I also suggest that as an immediate action the flush toilet restrooms in Boat Haven be reopened. These restrooms have been closed for over two years. The boat haven restroom location
is a starting point for hundreds of bikers and walkers every day. Between the City of PT, Jefferson County and the Port of PT the public should be provided access to a restroom with
running water. Instead, the Port has gone the opposite direction by closing the other restroom in Boat Haven to the general public.
We understand there is a concept on paper for a new trailhead location/facility. Since this plan is already in the works, it seems like this would be a high priority for ARPA funding.
While I have not tried to round up a mass of supporters for this suggestion, I have informally spoken with many people who would eagerly support such a project.
Thank you very much for considering this idea.
Ann and Fred Weinmann
Port Townsend, WA