Local officials and community leaders from the San Juan Islands will meet with the Washington State Transportation Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to discuss transportation issues, challenges and successes that are unique to island life.

The meeting takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Town of Friday Harbor, 60 Second Street. This is a public meeting and the public comment period is scheduled for 2:45 p.m. The meeting will include a series of short presentations on transportation topics in the islands, including how transportation serves tourism and economic development. The agenda includes briefings on transportation issues throughout the San Juan Islands, including specific panels discussing transportation on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island. The commission also will hear in detail the challenges related to ferry service disruptions this summer and the Washington State Department of Transportation’s plans to address them.

Representatives from the San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau and the San Juan County Economic Development Council will describe how transportation is essential to tourism, construction and other economic activities. Other topics include air transportation to the islands and Washington State Ferries’ 2040 Long-Range Plan.

In addition to the public meeting, commissioners will tour the islands’ transportation facilities to gain a better understanding of local issues.