OLYMPIA — Jefferson County’s three commissioners said they were given attention, if not guarantees, about issues close to home when they lobbied their state legislators on Thursday.
Most discussed during the commissioners’ visit to the state capital were the proposed closure of Old Fort Townsend State Park and reduced ferry service, said Commissioner John Austin, D-Port Ludlow.
“I think it went well in that our three legislators certainly listened to us,” Austin said.
“There are no guarantees, but we did get some support and promises that they would work on the issues.”
Austin, David Sullivan, D-Cape George, and Phil Johnson, D-Port Townsend, met throughout the day on Thursday with the District 24 legislators: Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam; House Majority Leader Rep. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam; and Deputy Majority Whip Rep. Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim.
The district encompasses Jefferson and Clallam counties, as well as a portion of Grays Harbor County.
“For Kevin and Lynn, we certainly got across to them the importance of Old Fort Townsend,” Austin said. “We got a promise that they would make some effort to save it.”
Old Fort Townsend has been proposed for closure as part of a $10 million cost-cutting effort ordered by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
The three commissioners reiterated their concerns about reduction of service on the Port Townsend-Keystone ferry route.
The route operated with two vehicle ferries when the Steel Electrics plied the Admiralty Inlet waters.
That hasn’t been seen since the aging Steel Electric ferries were pulled from service just before Thanksgiving in 2007 because of hull corrosion.
The state Legislature now is considering two options in a Washington State Ferries draft final long-range plan. One option would build two boats for the Port Townsend-Keystone route, while the other would keep in place only one.
Austin said good news on ferries was that Van De Wege is planning to introduce a bill allowing the state to purchase vessels constructed outside of Washington state.
“That will help,” Austin said.
“It’s likely that [removing that requirement] has something to do with looking for federal funding for the ferry system.”
Other issues
Commissioners also discussed possible financial support for the Tri-Area Sewer Project, the funding of drug programs and a possible tax on minerals mined from county grounds.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” Sullivan said.
“I think it’s clear that Hargrove’s main concern is doing evidence-based programs that work and save us money and human suffering.”
Sullivan said that was most seen in Hargrove’s support for the continuing drug rehabilitation programs in Jefferson County.
“I think he is sensitive to the ferry situation, but he isn’t optimistic about getting a lot more for us,” Sullivan said.
“In fact, I think we’re lucky to have what we have.”
Sullivan also spent part of the day testifying for one of Hargrove’s bills supporting a mental health sales tax that funds programs such as Drug Court in Jefferson County.
“I empathize with the people down here and what they are dealing with,” Sullivan said.
“It’s a huge task to bring it all together.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
