At its regular meeting on Feb. 2, the San Juan County Council unanimously approved chipsealing Dolphin Bay Road on Orcas Island.

“After reading over one hundred emails, the petition and speaking with many residents, I felt that it was important to be prudent with county funds,” said Rick Hughes. “This conversion will save $237,000 over 40 years, it will improve safety for locals and visitors and I don’t feel Dolphin Bay roads rural character will change.”

For background on the public works project, go here.

The Sounder did a poll on what should be done, and the results indicated more people were in support of the paving and/or chipsealing of Dolphin Bay Road than were against chipsealing it. At this time, there is no indication that the county intends to pave the road.

Many of the “other” votes included leaving the decision to people that live on the road, leave the road as gravel and maintain it and widening the road.