For the past several years, the community has been talking about the desire for winter access to Hurricane Ridge by keeping the road open all week during the winter. There is a window of opportunity that has been presented to the community to partner with the National Park Service.

According to Olympic National Park staff, the additional minimum amount needed per year to keep the road open seven days a week is $325,000. The Washington, D.C., office of the National Park Service has offered to cost-share with our community for a three-year trial period by providing $250,000 per year, with a required community commitment for the other $75,000 per year. The project to raise the funds is now up to the residents of the Olympic Peninsula.

To coordinate the effort, the city of Port Angeles and the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to try to make this happen. This is the classic, "If everyone gives a little, then the end result is significant" scenario. If every resident of Clallam County contributed as little as $1.25 per year, we could make it happen. While it is unlikely we will be able to get everyone to participate, this still shows how doable this funding request really is.

Hurricane Ridge is a huge component to enticing visitation to the Olympic Peninsula and having this winter access certainly would be beneficial to both residents and visitors to the area. We only have until Aug. 15 to raise the funds. The reason for this short window of time is due to the process of hiring and preparation needed by ONP. If we miss the goal, we then will ramp up for 2012.

A separate account has been set up for these funds. Corporate sponsor opportunities are available and can be arranged with Russ Veenema. Checks should be made out to either Olympic National Park or The Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce and sent to the Port Angeles Chamber, 121 E. Railroad Ave., Port Angeles, WA 98362. If you wish to pay with a credit card, call Russ, Vanessa or Lindsey at the chamber office to process or come into the Chamber Visitor Center. Should the goal not be reached, everyone will be contacted to confirm if they would like a refund or will allow the money to be used for the 2012 effort.

In addition, the city and chamber are willing to make presentations to local organizations about this fundraising effort. Contact City Manager Kent Myers, at 417-4501 or kmyers@cityofpa.us if you would like a presentation made to your organization.

Time is definitely of the essence, so please help us with the terrific partnership opportunity. For more information, contact Russ Veenema at 452-2363 Ext. 13 or Teresa Pierce at 417-4630.