Community forums on Hood Canal Bridge closure scheduled in Jefferson County

A series of community forums aimed at helping people get ready for the Hood Canal Bridge closure will be held throughout the Jefferson County starting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21 at the Bay Club in Port Ludlow.  The forums are sponsored by the Jefferson County Library and the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader.

At the forum, attendees will find out how WSDOT plans to meet the challenges of the bridge closure, what local health providers are doing to provide services during the closure, and hear tips and suggestions to better prepare yourself and your family for the six-week bridge closure, which begins May 1.

Forums start at 6:30 p.m.  The event schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 in Port Ludlow
• Wednesday, Feb. 18 at the Senior Center in Port Townsend
• Wednesday, March 11 at the Jefferson County Library in Port Hadlock
• Wednesday, March 25 at the Quilcene Community Center in Quilcene

Speakers for the Jan. 21 forum include Becky Hixson of WSDOT, Dave Turissini of Jefferson Transit, Vic Dirksen of Jefferson Healthcare, Miriam Villiard of Port Ludlow Associates, Paula Zimmerman of the Port Ludlow Chamber of Commerce and a representative of the Port Ludlow Village Council.  Meredith Wagner of Jefferson County Library will moderate the session.

For up-to-date information about the Hood Canal Bridge Project, visit www.hoodcanalbridge.com.  For local information about the closure, visit www.JeffConnections.com.  For more information about the community forums, contact Meredith Wagner at Jefferson County Library at (360) 385-6544 or mwagner@jclibrary.info.