To the editor:

This letter is a thank you to Martha Rose and her Island Transit staff, for their tireless efforts on behalf of Island County.

Quoting from the local newspapers:

“A $17.9 million federal grant will enable Island Transit to replace its inadequate transit facility with a new base of operations in Coupeville that will include a maintenance facility, bus washing and fueling facilities and an administration and operations facility.”

The longterm commitment Island Transit has made to all Island County residents is a commitment that goes all the way back to 1983, and gained real strength in 1987, when fixed route service commenced. Grant money is always extremely difficult to obtain, and the sustained efforts Island Transit has made since 1997 has accomplished a worthy goal: improve the overall operations of Island Transit well into the future.

Quoting Senator Mary Margaret Haugen:

“This project will serve Island County riders for generations to come, and it will bring jobs and revenue into Island County right when we need them the most.”

As many of you know, long-term economic development is difficult to come by on Whidbey Island. The Navy base and tourism provide many of our jobs, but not all of them. Workers and job seekers can depend on Island Transit to get them to work and  job interviews. Students, commuters, senior citizens, the handicapped — all are served by and benefit from Island Transit services.

Here’s the Island Transit mission statement:

“The mission of Island Transit is to provide a package of ride-sharing services which emphasizes rider use, safety and satisfaction, and results in increased mobility opportunities, less dependence on the automobile, decreased traffic congestion and improved air quality for all people in the service area, riders and non-riders alike.”

Let’s give thanks and recognition to an organization that has helped all of us. Island Transit has demonstrated “smart economic development” since it started. And this smart economic development has never come at the cost of our unique Whidbey Island environment, heritage or natural resources.

MIKE DIAMANTI

Coupeville