I wanted to share with you some fantastic news about the iconic Hoh Rainforest.
As you probably know, the access road to the rainforest has been closed for months, in need of repairs and waiting for federal funding that has yet to arrive.
I’m happy to report that Gov. Bob Ferguson has taken action, deciding to utilize the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account (EDSRA) to get the road fixed and restore access to not only a beautiful area but an absolutely crucial driver of economic activity on the Olympic Peninsula.
In 2023, tourists spent more than $444 million in Jefferson and Clallam counties, generating nearly $39 million in state and local tax dollars. Losing access to the Hoh Rainforest would devastate businesses that rely on the tourism it brings at a time when they are hiring for the busy season and people are booking trips.
County officials estimate it will cost approximately $650,000 to repair the Upper Hoh Road — about $27,000 of that will come from private donations as is required when using the EDSRA. Repairs should take about a month once permits and funding are secured.
I’m so appreciative of the governor prioritizing this hugely important project. I heard from so many anxious people and business owners concerned by the possibility of losing a season of access to the Hoh Rainforest. Thankfully it looks like that’s been avoided.
I also want to give a shout out to the people who will and already have donated the private portion of the funding needed for repairs. This is also a great reminder of the good that happens when state and local government come together to get things done.
Thanks for a great telephone town hall!
I want to thank everyone who asked a question or just listened in to our telephone town hall Wednesday evening.
At its peak, we had close to 1400 people on the line, and we covered a wide array of topics such as education, the state budget, public safety and everything that’s going on in Washington, D.C., and its impact on us.
If you weren’t able to participate Wednesday, please call or email my office anytime. If you’d like to listen to the entire event, you can click here.
I’m thankful to represent you in Olympia and appreciate every chance we have to hear directly from you.
Thanks to our intern, Michael!
It takes so many people to help run a legislative office, and each session we have the opportunity to welcome new people into the fold to help us help you.
Our intern, Michael, wrapped up his work with us this week. He was such a valuable and helpful part of our office. I’ll bet many of you spoke with him on the phone if you contacted us this session.
Michael also has a very interesting personal history. He is originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, and served as an infantry soldier in the British Army from 2015 to 2021, with deployments to East Africa and the Middle East. During his service, he provided security and support for the royal family during their annual visits to Balmoral Estate in Scotland. In 2021, Michael and his wife moved from Scotland to the United States.
Michael, a senior at the University of Washington Tacoma, hopes to continue his public service with a career in government.
I want to thank Michael for his military service and everything he did for our office this year and wish him the best of luck in the future.
Thank you for your work, Kailani!
I was delighted to have Kailani Seymour as my page earlier this month. Kailani is an 8th grader at Washington Middle School in Olympia. In her spare time, she enjoys gymnastics, soccer, and spending time with friends. In the future, she says she might want to go into politics and work as a staff member in the Legislature. Thank you, Kailani!
Being a page is a great way for students 14 to 16 years old to learn about the Legislature and state government and help us with our work in the Capitol. You can find more information here.
Stay in touch
Our office is always ready to help you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts or concerns. This work can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our community and your continued trust. It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Sincerely,
Mike Chapman
