The State final capital budget, passed on March 8th, includes HALF A MILLION DOLLARS for the SJC Community Swim Center on Lopez Island. We are forever thankful for the steadfast support provided by Senator Kevin Ranker and House Representatives Kristine Lytton and Jeff Morris. This could not have moved forward and passed without them. Although Governor Inslee still needs to sign it, the final budget passed unanimously in the Senate and passed the House 96-2.

A BIG thank you also goes to County Councilmen Jamie Stephens, Rick Hughes and Bill Watson. Their willingness to pursue County investment was key to showing our State representatives that the County is fully behind the project.

We also owe appreciation to our partnership organizations, advisory group members and volunteers for calling and writing to our representatives. Our partnership organizations at this time include Lopez Island Family Resource Center, Lopez Island School District, Lopez Island Academy, Lopez Island Fire and EMS, Lopez Island Physical Therapy, Lopez Island Prevention Coalition and Lopez Community Trails network.

And finally, we thank our individual donors. Whether you have donated $5,000 or $5 to the project, your support has made an impact. Today, we celebrate this wonderful news with YOU because together, we are making sure that the San Juan Islands will swim!

Swimmingly Yours,

The FLIP Board

editing by Carolyn McGown