Letters to the Editor

Belfair road work

Editor, the Journal,

In response the letter to the editor regarding the freight corridor Belfair bypass on Oct 31.

As we know the bypass is a long-sought state Department of Transportation project. Because some of the bypass if funded by federal monies is needed to be called the freight corridor, I know it’s confusing, but the government sometimes works in mysterious ways.

DOT has been working together to plan the project and Mason County Public Works has been working with DOT on where to install additional connector roads when more funding is found.

Yes, I have seen studies where it will alleviate 30% of the traffic from state Route 3 in Belfair. Over time, the county may construct additional connection roads to the bypass, which in itself will cause more people to come into Route 3 at different locations and reducing traffic even more, though the intent of the new road is to be a bypass, and any connection roads will be limited. A 30% reduction on its own could translate to significantly less time during heavy traffic.

Additionally, DOT is planning to extend the center turn south in Belfair which will help eliminate backups for people turning into business and residents that do not currently have access to the center turn lane. The center turn lane project is not currently funded and it is a project we should advocate for.

In the late ’90s, there was some opposition to the bypass and as generalization the government does not want to fund a controversial project.

Over time it became more and more obvious that we needed a bypass and people would often ask “why isn’t it done yet.” DOT took over the project and legislators became involved to secure capital funding, however with the recession and other priorities, funding was hard to come by.

Our representatives, Dan Griffey and Travis Couture, and Sen. Drew MacEwen helped secure funding over the last couple of years to construct the freight corridor/bypass. Our county commissioners, especially Randy Neatherlin, have been instrumental in advocating and securing funding as well.

From the DOT web page, it states the project will be constructed in the 2026-2028 time frame, though this is an estimation. From what I have heard, DOT has begun purchasing right of way for the project. This is a very promising sign that the project is moving forward.

On Nov. 20, Neatherlin will be discussing the bypass/freight corridor at the North Mason Chamber luncheon, and then myself and Loretta Swanson, who is the public works director, will be presenting at a North Mason Chamber luncheon on Jan. 22 at the HUB in Belfair. You can sign up and or find out more information about these luncheons at the North Mason Chamber website.

Phil Wolff

Chair, Transportation Improvement Advisory Committee Mason County

Allyn

Shout-out to the parks

Editor, the Journal,

We live in the Walker County Park neighborhood and would like to send a shout-out to the County Parks & Trails Department. Our park is well used year around. Countless birthday parties and even a few weddings. The Scouts, boys and girls, spend a night or two when canoeing Hammersley. And kayakers from across the state come to experience the Shelton Shuttle, riding the tide out in the morning, lunch at Hope Island, and catching the tide back in the afternoon.

We are fortunate to have an excellent park watchperson living on site. He’s a greeter, problem-solver and the rules enforcer when necessary. Not an easy job but he does it well.

Through it all the MCPTD is in the background holding it all together, keeping the restrooms working, covered picnic area and play area clean, and the branches picked up after our frequent windstorms.

And lastly, but certainly not least, the MCPTD staff listen to feedback from all of us. I could not be more pleased with the service they provide our neighborhood.

Rick Burkhalter

Shelton

Give local

Editor, the Journal,

I encourage everyone to participate in the Give Local 2024 campaign. This event is organized by the Community Foundation of South Puget Sound and features 143 local nonprofits. There is a cause for everyone to support — whether you are passionate about the arts, the environment, education, health, housing or something else. This is an excellent opportunity to show your love for our community.

To participate, visit the campaign website at http://www.spsgives.org between Nov. 11-22 and click on the search button to access the participating nonprofits.

Harry Griffith

Shelton

Something new in Shelton

Editor, the Journal,

On the third Tuesday of November, that would be the 19th, the monthly “Open Mic Comedy Night” will happen at the great El Sarape restaurant in downtown Shelton. This fun night begins at 6 p.m., to start your dinner time, then the excitement begins at 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., with a small break at 8 p.m.

The theme for this month is “Sharing your first time.” No, not that first time. But we all have a “first time” of some kind. For instance, your first kiss, come and find out how long it took my black eye to heal after kissing little Suzie Adams in the fifth grade. Or your first plane ride, your first cruise or your first … are you starting to get the idea yet? Everyone has a first something. Now, are you brave enough to get up and share? The great part of an open mic night is the audience is user-friendly, most all can remember their first time time up in front. Plus, you don’t have to memorize anything, you are telling something you already know, your first time.

Because of the anticipated attendance, the host has limited your time to five minutes or less. There will be a signup list, but what will happen is when someone is up there sharing, you will remember a first that you could share, which will lead to a time when the host will ask if anyone else would like to come up for their first time in front of a group of likeminded folks.

So, here is your personal invite to this really fun night out on Nov. 19, and if you are really brave and want to share “that” first time, we’re all ears.

Hope to see you there.

Bill Scholl

Shelton