$10K in Langley tourism contracts approved

Shuttle service for the Choochokam Arts Festival and a larger space for the Langley Whale Center received funding from the City of Langley on Monday.

Shuttle service for the Choochokam Arts Festival and a larger space for the Langley Whale Center received funding from the City of Langley on Monday.

The council unanimously approved two $5,000 contracts with the two groups to promote off-island visitors to come to Langley. The city only had $8,000 in its tourism budget, but did have a surplus in the fund that could cover the $10,000 in requests.

Councilman Bruce Allen recused himself from the vote because he is on the Choochokam Arts Festival’s board of directors.

Choochokam Arts plans on having shuttle service between the Clinton Ferry Terminal and Langley and between Langley and Oak Harbor to help bring people into town.

The Langley Whale Center is looking for a new home, preferably a larger one than its current location on the corner of Anthes Avenue and Second Street. The current building is up for sale, and the managing Orca Network has been looking for a new space in town. With a larger space, the Orca Network would like to have a classroom and presentation area in addition to housing its marine mammal skeletons and relics.