By Dan Roach

Pierce County Councilman

Taking advantage of a sunny spring day, I recently took a leisurely drive through East Pierce County. I was treated to breathtaking valley views, blooming daffodils, green fields filled with livestock and, of course, a majestic view of Mount Rainier.

The experience sparked many childhood memories: spending summer days camping, hiking and fishing in the Cascade Mountains as a young Boy Scout, and spending as many winter and spring days cross country skiing and igloo camping near Paradise Lodge.

I would have to say my most memorable outdoor moment was summiting Mount Rainier at age 16. It’s hard to believe that all of these experiences took place only an hour or two from home. There are not many places in the United States, or in the world for that matter, where one can access the incredible resources offered right here in our backyard.

It is truly unique and that’s what makes Pierce County special.

Of course, having access to the great outdoors is critical to help people appreciate it. I am glad to report that Pierce County is working hard to provide quality road access to some of our wonderful treasures, like Crystal Mountain. The county is responsible for providing maintenance to Crystal Mountain Boulevard and due to the extensive ice and snow removal efforts which stress the pavement and guardrails, this road is in need of repairs.

Given the numerous road needs throughout the county and a very tight budget situation with our slow economy, Pierce County had to look for other funding options. The project qualified for grants, and fortunately we were successful in obtaining two.

The first is a $4.2 million grant from the Washington County Road Administration Board. This grant will fund new asphalt overlay and guardrail improvements. The second is a $500,000 grant by the Federal Highway Administration, which will be used for rock slope mitigation.

In addition to these two grants, the county has successfully passed the initial application process for a $5.345 million grant from the FHA that will further fund new asphalt overlay, guardrails, culverts and rock slope mitigation. Road improvements will start as early as this year.

My family and I plan on taking advantage of many opportunities in Pierce County this summer and I hope you will, too.

Here are a couple of independent websites I have found to be very helpful in identifying fun activities in our area: www.visitrainier.com and www.piercecounty.com.

Please feel free to contact me regarding any county issues. I can be reached at 253-798-3635 or droach@co.pierce.wa.us.