Welcome to Skagit County

5/16/2016

Expect congestion May 13-15 during weekend protest near Anacortes

Traffic delays and congestion are likely near Anacortes this weekend as thousands of people plan to gather in protest of fossil fuel use. Break Free PNW participants plan to be in the area Friday, May 13, through Sunday, May 15, near the March’s Point refineries and at locations throughout the city of Anacortes.

Drivers on State Route 20 between Anacortes and Deception Pass should expect congested traffic, lengthy delays, and should plan additional time into their travel schedules. Drivers should also be alert to pedestrians and cyclists near the highway. Those on the water this weekend should be alert to U.S. Coast Guard vessels operating in Padilla and Fidalgo bays.

“This is an event of unprecedented size for our area,” said Mark Anderson, Skagit County Department of Emergency Management Director. “Our top priority is ensuring that everyone in the March’s Point area remains safe during the weekend. To that end, visitors and residents can expect to see a higher-than-normal concentration of law enforcement and first responders in the area.”

The Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) urges people to plan ahead for congestion in the Anacortes during the weekend. Residents are also advised keep the 9-1-1 lines open for emergencies; they can call the Skagit County Emergency Coordination Center information line at 360-416-1880 for information or questions about the protest response.

For information about the weekend events and the coordinated multiagency response, please visit the DEM Emergency Information webpage at www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/EmergencyInformation/main.htm, or follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SkagitCountyEMD and Twitter https://twitter.com/skagitdem 

Please contact Bronlea Mishler at 360-416-1309 or bronleam@co.skagit.wa.us for additional questions or information.