Island County officials announced today that preliminary approval has been obtained from the Department of Transportation for the 17-yr old carved Welcome to Whidbey sign to remain in its current site. A county sponsored Whidbey Scenic Isle Way gateway monument installation will proceed as scheduled at an adjacent location. Controversy arose last month when citizens resisted efforts to relocate the iconic cedar structure further up the highway from its current location near the Clinton Ferry Landing.

Island County Commissioner Helen Price Johnson credits the Island County Public Works Department with finding this creative solution. “The concerns came so late in the process; the county had very few options.  Contracts had already been signed and permits obtained. Staff was able to successfully work with our partners at the DOT to create this win for our community.”

Later this month gateway monuments will be installed at Deception Pass, Keystone Landing and Clinton. Each installation was individually designed to reflect the scenic beauty of Whidbey Island.

The Whidbey Scenic Isle Way project was funded by a federal grant in 2006 and the gateway locations were selected in 2008 by the Regional Transportation Policy Board which is comprised of elected officials and transportation agencies in our area. More information will be available at a public meeting in Clinton Community Hall, Thursday Oct. 8^th at 7pm.