LATEST NEWS - ELECTION 2010

Dear Friends of Hood Canal,
 
Election 2010
 
Lots of questions about which legislative candidates support our efforts to protect Hood Canal.  The following candidates have stated their opposition of the pit-to-pier project because it would destroy critical habitat, endanger the fragile ecological balance of the canal, risk destruction of the Hood Canal Bridge, impede recreational uses of the canal and adversely affect our quality of life and economic viability.  They are also aware of the numerous concerns expressed by the U.S. Navy.
 
U.S. Congress
 Jay Inslee - 1st Congressional District
Norm Dicks - 6th Congressional District
 
State Legislature
Sherry Appleton - 23rd District Position 1
Christine Rolfes - 23rd District Position 2
 Kevin Van De Wege - 24th District Position 1
Steve Tharinger - 24th District Position 2
 
County Commissioner
John Austin - Jefferson County District 3
Josh Brown - Kitsap County District 3
 
The Hood Canal Coalition does not endorse any candidate for elected office.  However, we want our members to know where these candidates stand on this issue.  We also welcome other candidates to declare their support of our program to defend the canal from massive industrialization.  We now have over 4000 members and are supported by more than 60 independent organizations consisting of environmental, community, business, recreational, and political groups.
 
Bankruptcy
Fred Hill Materials is still operating under the supervision of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.  Recent data indicates that the company continues to have many symptoms of a deeply financially distressed organization. 
 
Environmental Impact Study
The pit-to-pier EIS continues to move forward at a snails pace - no, that's too fast.  It's more like the movement of frozen molasses.  This is not the fault of Jefferson County, but of the mining company which seems satisfied to sit on its "grandfathered" status. 
 
New Threat
Last year, Miles Sand and Gravel purchased the Fred Hill Materials Shine Pit mine and a lease to mine the northern part of the highly controversial 690-acre mining district.  This year, they have submitted an amendment to the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan that would negate or limit a series of constraints placed upon mining activities there.  We are closely monitoring the situation and have had discussions with Miles and their attorney.  Our relationship with Miles Sand and Gravel has been open and friendly and we would like to keep it that way.  Miles has no interest in shipping gravel by barge or ship.  However, we will insist that the constraints remain.
 
Yes, We Welcome Your Donations. Please send your tax deductible donation to:
HCC
Box 65279
Port Ludlow, WA  98365
 
Make your check payable to Olympic Environmental Council and write "For HCC" in the lower left hand corner.
 
Thanks.
 
John Fabian
Hood Canal Coalition
Steering Committee