PORT ANGELES — Following the Clallam County commissioners, the Port Angeles City Council has endorsed a proposed National Maritime Heritage Area that would encompass the shores of northwest Washington.
The City Council authorized Mayor Gary Braun, who is also a member of the council, to sign a letter in support of the idea in a 6-1 vote, with council member Larry Williams opposed, Tuesday.
Williams said he was concerned about possibly limiting land use on the coastline.
The Clallam County commissioners approved a similar letter in early June.
The purpose of a heritage area is to encourage partnerships among maritime interests that could become eligible for federal grants with no match requirement.
The state Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation has proposed the heritage area for the edges of 13 Washington counties — including Clallam and Jefferson — that border the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound.
It would extend a quarter-mile inland and receive technical support from the National Park Service.
Tribes, local governments and ports would have a role on an advisory committee.
The City Council’s letter says it supports the creation of a heritage area as long as it does not result in any “regulatory activities.”
The heritage area would have no impact on land use, public land policy or private activity, according to draft language in a feasibility study.
________
Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
