Rails-to-Trail proceeds with blessing of county commissioners

KONP

2/4/03

Sequim, WA-- Two Clallam County Commissioners say the best way to proceed with the Olympic Discovery Trail between Sequim and Blyn is north of Highway 101.

Democrat Steve Tharinger and Republican Mike Chapman agreed Monday afternoon that the north side is the right side.

As reported by the Sequim Gazette, Tharinger says all the information seem to point to the same place.

The two commissioners responded this week to a county road department report outlining the costs associated with four proposed routes moving the trail east from Sequim toward the county line.

Chapman says he's prepared to move right away toward trying to purchase right-of-way for trail construction.

County Public Works Director Craig Jacobs told commissioners the trail route approval would be appropriate now.

Jacobs also indicated a public hearing could be held on the four proposed trail routes before commissioners made a final decision.

For the most part, the proposed Northern route for the trail parallels the track bed of the former railroad tracks, except a segment bypassing the Schoolhouse Point area.

The northern route also has the advantage of tribal support where it would pass through land belonging to the Jamestown S'Klallam tribe near Blyn and would be eligible for grant money to build bridges at some locations.

A state Environmental Protection Act review is being completed by the county for all four proposed routes. Both Chapman and Tharinger said they are ready to approve a north-side trail once the SEPA review is complete.