<HTML><BODY style="word-wrap: break-word; -khtml-nbsp-mode: space; -khtml-line-break: after-white-space; "><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Dear Chamber Members:</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Noted below, is a letter the Port Townsend Chamber sent to Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond. The letter recommends the Hood Canal Bridge closure mitigation plan, scheduled for May-June, 2009, operate passenger-only ferry service between Port Ludlow and Kingston instead of South Point-Lofall.</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Based on Paula's comments at the Port Angeles Chamber luncheon yesterday (May 19th), WSDOT's decision for the mitigation plan is going to be based on what we as residents and business people would prefer.</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Paula Hammond, along with WSDOT District Manager Kevin Dayton, have asked that we contact them and let them know what we would prefer. We believe this is our last best hope to persuade WSDOT to chose a mitigation plan that we believe will provide passenger-only ferry access between Kitsap and Jefferson/Clallam counties, as well as vehicle ferry access between Port Townsend and Edmonds.</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Please review the attached letter and contact Paula and Kevin</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Paula Hammond email: <A href="mailto:hammonp@wsdot.wa.gov">hammonp@wsdot.wa.gov</A></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; min-height: 14px; "><BR></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Kevin Dayton email: <A href="mailto:daytonk@wsdot.wa.gov">daytonk@wsdot.wa.gov</A></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">If possible, please provide a copy of your email to Paula and Kevin.</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; ">Thank you</DIV><DIV style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; "><BR class="khtml-block-placeholder"></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Paula J. Hammond, P.E.</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-tab-count:1"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">May 20, 2008</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Secretary of Transportation</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Washington State Department of Transportation</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Transportation Building</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">PO Box 47300</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Olympia, WA 98504-7300</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Dear Ms. Hammond,</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">The board of the Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce wishes to convey its support for the alternate plan for passenger-only ferry service between Port Ludlow and Kingston and for establishing a Port Townsend-Edmonds auto ferry during the Hood Canal Bridge Closure in May-June 2009.</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We understand that the officials at Port Ludlow Associates and the Port of Kingston are willing to offer their properties to make this alternate plan a success. </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">There are many positive aspects to this plan:</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">•</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Shoreline permits would not be required (as they are for the temporary Lofall location);</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">•</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Existing Passenger-only ferry terminals and parking at both locations eliminate the need to design and construct</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">temporary facilities at South Point and Lofall--by far, “greener” alternatives.</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">•</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Vehicle parking and bus connections adjacent to the existing Passenger-only ferry terminal at both locations</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">would significantly reduce the cost of temporary transit services.</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">•</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We agree with WSDOT’s own notes under the Lessons Learned <I>(SR 104 Hood Canal Bridge August 2005 </I></SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><I> </I></SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><I>Closure Analysis Mitigation Travel Demand Update December 21, 2005)</I></SPAN></FONT></SPAN><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> “To mitigate bridge closures, use</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"><I>passenger-only ferry routes that serve central locations to reduce uncertainty about the success of these routes.”</I></SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">A Port Townsend-Edmonds auto ferry during the May-June 2009 Hood Canal Bridge closure is essential for mitigating the loss of business that will in fact occur. The bridge currently averages 25,000 vehicle trips per day and the WSDOT’s Lessons Learned report noted a significant portion of these travelers relied on the Port Townsend-Keystone route during the August, 2005 bridge closure. The restricted service of the Port Townsend-Keystone auto ferry has illustrated the dramatic need for commercial access to the I-5 corridor and Canada via Edmonds (i.e. Port Townsend Paper Corporation, Kingston Lumber, and other Olympic Peninsula and Whidbey Island commercial businesses). As you know, adverse weather conditions continue to be an issue on this route.</SPAN></FONT><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT></SPAN><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">These larger companies have a major impact on the state of our local economy and are integral to the success of our independently owned businesses. In the past, a barrier to considering this route was the need for a reservation system. We are pleased that a system is now in place, and will be operational in time for this summer on the Port Townsend-Keystone route. </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We believe the present plan for service between Shine and Lofall during May-June 2009 Bridge Closure is unduly expensive and creates infrastructure that is temporary. The multiple conveyance transfers required will be cumbersome, particularly for seniors, and those with mobility issues. Using the Port Ludlow-Kingston passenger only ferry service will save a minimum of $3.5 million in temporary infrastructure costs. Previous experience has demonstrated that this run can be successful. The money saved in foregoing temporary POF terminals and parking lots could be used to fund the Port Townsend-Edmonds auto ferry.</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Thank you for your consideration and untiring work related to these transportation challenges, which are of crucial importance to the economic health of our Olympic Peninsula. We have faith that you have our best interests at heart, and we know that you are listening. </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">We appreciate all your efforts on our behalf.</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;">Sincerely,</SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV><DIV class="MsoNormal"><SPAN style=""><FONT class="Apple-style-span" size="4"><SPAN class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13.3333px;"> </SPAN></FONT><O:P></O:P></SPAN></DIV></BODY></HTML>