SOUTH WHIDBEY RECORD: Lawmakers tour preservation projects

Karina Andrew reports:

Two District 10 state representatives visited Coupeville Thursday to check out how preservation funds are being spent.

Rep. Dave Paul, D-Oak Harbor, and Rep. Greg Gilday, R-Camano, helped secure state funding for a series of projects three years ago.

They Said It

“It’s so nice to see the progress on the projects,” [Rep. Dave] Paul said.

Paul said the reserve’s $1 million request almost did not come through, but the involved organizations were able to demonstrate the public benefit these preservation projects would create. Rehabilitating and restoring historic structures is good for tourism, local businesses and residents, Paul said.

“I just think it’s good to preserve community,” [Rep. Greg] Gilday said, adding that his law office is a restored building from the 1930s. “It’s fun to have the historic buildings in town that people can know as landmarks.”