OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson has authorized $623,000 in emergency funds to repair the Upper Hoh Road, restoring access to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. The road has been closed for months due to severe storm damage, and federal emergency funding has yet to be granted. Without intervention, the closure could have significantly impacted the upcoming summer tourism season.
The funding comes from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account, which is designed to protect jobs and local economies. State law requires private investment alongside these funds, and community members raised $27,240 in donations. Jefferson County, which oversees the road, estimates the total repair cost at $650,000 and expects construction to take about a month once all funding and permits are secured.
Local officials stressed the importance of reopening the road, as businesses in Jefferson and Clallam counties rely heavily on tourism. Tour operators feared losing 30-40% of their bookings if access remained closed.
Jefferson County is fast-tracking the project to ensure the road reopens before the peak summer season, while the request for federal emergency funds to assist in the repairs remains under review.
Photo courtesy Ray Fortin