Kira Erickson reports:
For three summers now, the boat launch at Robinson Beach in Freeland has been closed off by a build-up of sand.
This closure has not gone unnoticed by the community, especially when a catastrophic seaplane crash occurred in Mutiny Bay just two weeks ago. As a result, rescue boats launched further north of the deadly accident.
They Said It
In the past, county officials have floated ideas of a deep water launching point to combat some of the issues encountered with low tides. Commissioner Melanie Bacon said the issue is part of the county’s six-year plan.
“The fact is, what happened over the weekend, it shows why we have to have a really effective boat launch on the southwest side of Whidbey,” she said. “It’s for emergencies.”
Helen Price Johnson said elevated ramps were one solution discussed during her time as county commissioner, but are too expensive for a small county to fund by itself.
