Towne Road update: October 2nd

Public comments innundate Commissioners' office

The Commissioners’ office received 200 comments over the weekend — that is a tremendous amount of civic engagement and shows just how important Towne Road is to residents.  I learned this by attending the Commissioners’ Work Session today at the courthouse.  Despite the Towne Road Levee not appearing on the posted agenda, it was discussed.

Commissioner Mark Ozias expressed interest to DCD Director Bruce Emery in determining if the new Towne Road atop the levee would be designated as a tsunami evacuation route.  No one in the room was entirely certain how to proceed with route designation, but agreed it needs to be looked into.  Last week, I sent an inquiry to the Army Corps of Engineers on that very topic.  I am currently awaiting reply.

Commissioner Ozias also suggested that County staff reach out to our area’s first responders to see how the closure of Towne Road has affected response times.  When I reached out to the Sheriff, Fire Department, and Ambulance Service last month, two of those agencies said I had been the first to inquire about the closure’s impact.

There was also discussion about funding sources for resurfacing Towne Road, whichever option is chosen. Bids will need to go out and grants will need to be applied for, or the County will need to source the funding itself.  Either scenario seemed to be years away.

The period for public comment is still open.  You can contact District #1 Commissioner mark.ozias@clallamcountywa.gov and all three Commissioners can be reached by contacting loni.gores@clallamcountywa.gov.