PORT ANGELES — The $80 million secured by U.S. Sen. Patty Murray to rebuild the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge in Olympic National Park appears to be safe — for now.
The Trump administration’s sweeping budget cuts have disrupted federal agencies, freezing, stalling and canceling congressionally approved funding.
Planning and construction funds for Hurricane Ridge have not yet been targeted, according to Murray’s office.
“I will do everything I can to make sure the funding I fought hard to secure for Hurricane Ridge is spent as intended to rebuild this important site,” Murray, D-Seattle, said in a statement.
Murray’s earmark was part of an emergency disaster relief package signed into law by President Joe Biden in December 2024.
The 71-year-old lodge was undergoing renovation when it burned to the ground on May 7, 2023.
Murray visited the charred remains on Aug. 14 during a visit to the North Olympic Peninsula.
As president pro tempore of the U.S. Senate and chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, she emphasized the urgent need for a new facility at Hurricane Ridge, which attracts about 300,000 visitors every year.
U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Edmonds, and former U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, also supported the funding.
Daily service to Hurricane Ridge on Clallam Transit System’s shuttle will resume May 24 and run through Sept. 1.
One-way fares are $1 for adults, 50 cents for those with a regional reduced fare permit, and free for youths18 and younger, Peninsula College students with a valid ID and veterans with a photo and a permit issued by Clallam Transit System.
Buses depart for Hurricane Ridge daily every hour from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the Gateway Transit Center, 123 E. Front St. Buses leave Hurricane Ridge every hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m.
Information about the shuttle can be found at tinyurl.com/55hz4b47. Information about purchasing a park pass can be found at tinyurl.com/y3uptenh.
________
Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
