Year in Review: Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee

2022 was a year of transition for Point Roberts as the community gradually shifted its attention away from Covid-19-related border restrictions and its associated impacts to rebuilding, increasing resilience and improving quality of life.

This transition was also reflected in the issues on the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee’s (PRCAC) agenda per its role “to provide advice and recommendations to the county executive and the county council regarding needs and issues specific to the Point Roberts community.”

Stormwater drainage was a critical and urgent issue as extensive flooding during the winter of 2021-22 caused widespread community concern. PRCAC facilitated multiple meetings on the topic with the county public works department, which ultimately made a funding request for $380,000 to create a detailed Stormwater Management Plan for Point Roberts. The funding was approved by county council and the plan is currently in the request for bids stage.

Expanding access to affordable high-speed broadband was another priority item. PRCAC supported Whidbey Telecom’s efforts to secure grants to expand fiber-optic layout in the community. Following extensive community discussion on the urgency of this need, PRCAC also petitioned the county executive and council to authorize use of $250,000 allocated in the state budget and allocate additional matching funds to accelerate rollout of broadband using alternative means. This request is currently in front of the county executive and council.

Solid waste was also an area of focus as the community caught up on deferred maintenance after a Covid-19-caused hiatus over the past couple of years. Based on a request from PRCAC, the county authorized multiple free green waste days to facilitate clean-up. PRCAC also held multiple townhalls to solicit feedback from the community on solid waste services and forwarded it to county authorities so it can be factored into future service provider contracts.

As we transition to 2023, PRCAC will continue to serve as a hub to consolidate community concerns and channel them to the county leadership. In addition to continuing to push for a successful resolution of the issues listed above, PRCAC’s priorities for 2023 include finding ways to address an acute shortage of affordable housing, creation of an off-leash dog park, and applying for the Washington state’s Main Street program.

PRCAC is always open to community input and feedback, which can be sent via email to prcac.comment@gmail.com. PRCAC meeting agendas, minutes, and videos can be found at bit.ly/3iTx6DQ.

On behalf of the entire PRCAC, we wish everyone happy holidays and a great 2023!