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February 27, 2023
Board of County Commissioners
1820 Jefferson Street
PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Kate Dean, District 1 Heidi Eisenhour, District 2 Greg Brotherton, District 3
Subject: Letter of Support for Lower Big Quilcene Riverscape Restoration Project
To: Office of the Secretary of Transportation, DOT
Re: FY 2023 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant.
Dear RAISE grant program staff,
The commissioners of Jefferson County are writing this letter to voice our strong support for the Lower
Big Quilcene Riverscape Restoration Project. This project will comprehensively address impacts to
transportation infrastructure in the town of Quilcene, WA caused by the frequent flooding of the Big
Quilcene River.
Currently, roadways within close proximity to the lower Big Quilcene River are regularly inundated by
floodwaters and made impassible to vehicle traffic. This issue is especially pronounced on Linger Longer
Road, which is the only access route to the residential neighborhoods, public marina, and shellfish
hatchery located south of the river. Flooding now prevents county residents from reaching their homes
and workplace, and blocks emergency vehicle access.
The Lower Big Quilcene Riverscape Restoration Project will eliminate these serious transportation issues
by:
- Replacing aging and dysfunctional infrastructure with a modern 1,040-foot floodplain spanning
bridge
- Removing levees from the north bank of the Big Quilcene River. This will permanently stop
flooding south of the river, and restore functional fish and wildlife habitat
Addressing impacts to transportation infrastructure caused by flooding is vital to preserving the
functionality and safety of our communities. The benefits that this project would provide for both the
wellbeing of Jefferson County citizens, and several imperiled stocks of salmon are greatly needed.
Thank you for considering this project for funding.
Sincerely,
Jefferson County Commissioner Commissioners
t
Kate Dean, District No. 1 -Heisi1 E,Senh6ur, District No. Z Greg Brotherton, Chair, District No. 3
Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us