Editor,

Are you a Langley voter who loves Whidbey Island’s beautiful open spaces, timber and agricultural lands outside of the city limits?

The Washington State Growth Management Act requires local governments to reduce sprawl in rural areas and resource lands by concentrating development in areas with municipal utilities for water and sewer.

The ability to preserve these lands is a focus of Island County’s Comprehensive Plan.

There are many tools available to cities and towns to ensure growth is done appropriately and responsibly.

However, ultimately, in order to conserve rural lands, urban areas are compelled to accept density. As our community struggles with loss of farms and forests and the lack of housing for workers, families and our elders; this need is growing in importance.

My thinking is that we need to be proactive at the local level to solve these problems. Costs for essential utility projects will never be lower. So I voted to support a $3 million Island County grant to help Langley repair and extend their utility infrastructure.

This grant lowers the costs for city property owners and provides a larger local match as the city seeks other grants.

It is projected to provide 40 percent of the needed funding when leveraged with the Water Management System Improvement Bond, if Langley voters say “yes.”

In fact, the $3 million grant is dependent upon a “yes” vote.

Public infrastructure is a chronic need in many communities. Langley has the opportunity to take a positive step forward now, leverage the county’s support and do its part to retain South Whidbey’s rural character and beauty.

Commissioner Helen Price Johnson

Island County, District 1