This column is part of a series detailing San Juan County’s recent news. Follow along each month to learn about important County projects, Council initiatives, department updates, and more.
San Juan County Receives $1.5Million from WA Governor to Support Local Transportation Infrastructure
San Juan County is thrilled to receive new funding from the Washington State Governor’s Office to address ferry service disruptions in the San Juan Islands. On September 17, Governor Jay Inslee met County and Town officials, essential service providers, business owners, and residents in Friday Harbor to award $1 million to the County to finance temporary marine transportation alternatives, and an additional $500,000 to support Interisland weekend service during the winter which would add a third set of crew to that service.
“I feel speechless right now,” said Council Chair Jane Fuller. “Our county has been heard at the highest level of our State when it comes to the ferry crisis we have been experiencing.”
Read more about the funds and next steps on the County’s website.
County Issues Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation in Recognition of Local Hispanic Community
The Council issued a proclamation recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15-October 15. The proclamation (in both English and Spanish) celebrates the valuable contributions of the Hispanic community in San Juan County and encourages all residents, businesses, and visitors to acknowledge, share stories, and participate in local events that honor the important community and cultural contribution of our Latino friends, neighbors, and businesses. Read more on the County’s website.
San Juan County Affordable Housing News Roundup - Fall 2024
San Juan County continues to support affordable housing efforts throughout the islands via the Home Fund, the Affordable Housing Awards, Connecting Housing to Infrastructure (CHIP) grants, and a new Emergency Rental Assistance Pilot Project. During the August 27 Council meeting, the Council approved five Affordable Housing Awards totaling $65,000 to applicants on Orcas and San Juan Islands and allocated $30,000 to local Resource Centers via the Emergency Rental Assistance Pilot Project.
Did you know that this Fall there will be three new affordable housing projects under construction at the same time with funding contributed by the San Juan County Home Fund? Located on Lopez and Orcas Islands, these projects will create an additional 31 new affordable housing units in the County. San Juan County is currently in the midst of its 2024 Home Fund application process, with grant awards expected to be announced later this year.
San Juan County Calls for Public Input on Uniform Development Code Revisions
The San Juan County Council is conducting a comprehensive review and revision of the County's Uniform Development Code (UDC), also known as Title 18. This update is intended to achieve a more user-friendly development code, streamline permit review processes, and promote consistent standards for development throughout the islands. Community members and frequent code users are encouraged to provide input on provisions of the UDC that should be revised.
Please email examples of specific elements of the UDC, you would like to see updated, fixed, or clarified to: codeupdate@sanjuancountywa.gov. Please be as specific as you can and include the code number and an explanation of the issue you are concerned about. The County will be compiling code revision recommendation through September of 2024 and presenting those at a County Council meeting in October 2024. Feedback about the code will continue to be accepted at codeupdate@sanjuancountywa.gov after October 1, 2024, but will not be included in the presentation to Council.
PFFAP Applications Open to Support Local Infrastructure and Small Businesses
Applications are open for the Public Facilities Funding Assistance Program (PFFAP). Funded by sales and use tax, this program allows for local entities to apply for funding to finance public facilities serving economic development purposes. Find application materials here: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1099/PFFAP-Program-Applications.
Applications Open for Lodging Tax Annual Grant Program
The 2024 Lodging Tax Grant Application is now live! Applications are due by October 4, 2024 at 5:00pm. Applications will be reviewed during October with award notification scheduled for this December. For information and an application packet visit the County’s website at: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/2087/Lodging-Tax-Annual-Grant-Program
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
###