INSIDE

2001 IN REVIEW
Point Roberts Economic Development Committee

By Louise Mugar

The Point Roberts Economic Develop-ment Committee continued to make progress on several long-term projects for improving the economic development of Point Roberts.

The committee was originally formed in 1999 under the initiative and guidance of the Port of Bellingham. It has sought to engage broad community representation in economic development activities in Point Roberts and includes members from each of the following local organizations: chamber of commerce, voter association, taxpaye’ association, parks and recreation district, county parks, and character plan committee.

Goals and projects are developed from the Strategic Economic Development Plan, a document prepared by BST Associates in 1999 which was based on responses to a community wide survey.

Pier Restoration: This project is in the final stages of Phase II of the feasibility study conducted by Moffat & Nichol Engineers. Prior to the final submission of documents to the permitting agencies, the Port of Bellingham is preparing a preliminary site plan of the foreshore area at the end of Gulf Road designating public parking and a proposed site for public washroom facilities. The Pier Restoration sub-committee is in the process of determining ownership of the pier and maintenance. The Point Roberts Chamber of Commerce received a grant from the USDA Forest Service for $58,300 for the feasibility study, 20 percent of which is made up of matching funds. To date expenses have been paid from funds committed by the Port of Bellingham ($4,012), chamber of commerce ($3,079), Tsaw-wassen/Point Roberts Rotary ($2,000) and the USDA Forest Service ($42,594). Fundraising efforts and grant requests for construction will begin in early 2002.

Infrastructure Task Group: The sub-committee was formed to study the interest and feasibility of a wastewater treatment system for the Point Roberts community. During the past year their efforts have concentrated on sourcing monies to fund the update of the Point Roberts Sewer Comprehensive Plan as mandated by Washington State law. In September the USDA Forest Service formally approved an 80/20 grant award to fund the plan.

Other projects include the development of walking/biking trails, and support for the projects of the Lighthouse society, the Historical society and Pioneer group. For more information contact: Steve Jilk, Port of Bellingham Director of Economic Development at 360/676-2500, co-chairs Tod Manrell at 945-5534 and Louise Mugar at 945-0413.

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