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 Launches Pilot Project to Provide Marine Transportation Services
San Juan County launched marine transportation services throughout the islands as part of a pilot project. These services include emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services will be provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office.
- Daily Passenger Service Between Anacortes and San Juan County – San Juan Safaris is providing seven-day a week, twice daily passenger-only service to Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, and Downtown Anacortes via Cap Sante Marina. With one trip in the morning and another in the evening, this service is structured to provide complete, round-trip service for passengers. Learn more: https://www.sanjuansafaris.com/passenger-boat-service
- Emergency Interisland Passenger Service – Outer Island Excursions will provide emergency passenger-only service to Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands when the WSF interisland boat experiences service disruptions. These services will be available when the WSF interisland boat is out-of-service and/or service restoration time is either unknown or estimated at greater than four hours. Learn more: https://www.outerislandx.com/pa/emergency-water-taxi
- Emergency Barge Service – Pintail Marine will provide emergency barge service for essential service providers between Lopez, Orcas, San Juan, Shaw, and Anacortes when WSF experiences service disruptions. This service is provided for the purpose of meeting critical health and life/ safety needs. Learn more: https://www.pintailmarine.com/emergency-barge-service
For a complete list of information about the County’s pilot project to establish marine transportation services, please visit: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-emergency-transportation-services.
What Did You Think of the Winter Ferry Schedule? Take the Survey to Let Us Know!
After a lengthy process of writing a new schedule for the Washington State Ferries' (WSF) San Juan Islands routes, the San Juan County Ferry Advisory Committee (FAC) is asking for feedback. What did you think of the revised winter ferry schedule? Take the five-question survey to provide insights for the County and WSF.
To take the survey, visit: https://engage.sanjuancountywa.gov/san-juan-county-ferry-information/surveys/winter-schedule-survey
Ready to Run? Candidate Filing Week is May 5 through May 9
Have you ever dreamed of running for office? Are you looking for new ways to get involved in your community? Candidate Filing Week might just be your chance! You can put your name on the ballot for a variety of public offices during the upcoming filing week of May 5 through May 9, 2025.
File Online: Online candidate filing will be available Monday, May 5, at 8 a.m. through Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m. Candidates can file from home on their personal computers or may file on a computer at the Elections Office. To file online, go to the Elections webpage at https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/elections and navigate to “Online Candidate Filing” under “Candidate Information.”
File on paper: If you prefer to file on paper, “Declaration of Filing” forms are available at the Elections webpage at sanjuancountywa.gov/elections under “Candidate Information.” Mail the completed form to San Juan County Auditor, Elections Office, PO Box 638, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. Mail-in filings will be accepted if received after April 21 and will be processed on May 5. Mailed filings must be received at the Elections Office no later than Friday, May 9.
Community Dental Clinics Update – Lopez Clinics Start April 24!
San Juan County Health & Community Services and Lopez Island Hospital District are partnering with DentALL to offer Community Dental Clinics on Lopez Island. This expansion means essential dental services are now available on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Islands.
Learn what services are available on your island: https://www.sanjuancountywa.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1884
Learn more about the County’s recent news by visiting: sanjuancountywa.gov/1930/San-Juan-County-Newsroom
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