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“Despite lawmakers on both sides of the aisle engaging in good faith negotiation, it’s clear that the Legislature will not adopt bipartisan legislation to place reasonable limits on the Governor’s emergency powers.

“Reform is necessary to protect Washingtonians in times of emergency while ensuring an appropriate balance between the branches of government.

“Consequently, I commit to the people of Washington and the Legislature that I will take the following actions in the event of an emergency when the continuity of government has not been disrupted:

“If I declare a state of emergency that lasts longer than 60 days while the Legislature is not in session, I will terminate that emergency, or any order arising from it, if three leaders of the four legislative caucuses write to me requesting that action.

“Moreover, if a state of emergency has been in place longer than 120 days while the Legislature is not in session, I will call a special session to give the Legislature the opportunity to terminate an emergency order or declaration.

“This policy will remain in effect as long as I am Governor unless the Legislature adopts bipartisan legislation amending these emergency powers.”

Senator Keith Wagoner (R-Sedro Woolley) shared this statement in response:

“I welcome the Governor’s proactive approach; it demonstrates his sincere understanding of the issue of unchecked governors’ emergency powers and the important role the legislature plays. This is a win for Washington’s citizens but, it is a perishable win. The legislature needs to codify similar provisions into law.”

OLYMPIA — Governor Bob Ferguson announced today that he has directed the use of $623,000 in Stategic Reserve funds on an emergency basis to fix the access road to the Hoh Rain Forest in Olympic National Park. The road to this iconic destination has been closed for months, and the federal funds typically used for such a repair have not yet been granted. The state funds will be used along with private donations totaling approximately $27,000 as required by law.

The decision to utilize the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account reflects both the urgency to protect the coming tourism season as well as the unique impact of delays to this specific repair project. If access to the Hoh Rain Forest closed for the season, many tour operators would face a 30-40% reduction in bookings, while lodging, restaurants, shops, outfitters and other businesses close to the Hoh Rain Forest would also see significant declines. In a typical year, those businesses are making hiring decisions now, and beginning to book for the summer season.

In 2023, tourists spent more than $444 million in Jefferson and Clallam counties, generating nearly $39 million in state and local tax dollars. The Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account provides a tool designed to retain jobs and economic investment in our state.

“The Hoh Rain Forest is one of the crown jewels of Olympic National Park and Washington’s coastal communities,” Ferguson said. “It is also a critical driver of tourism on the Olympic Peninsula. We cannot allow access to remain closed during the peak visitor season, costing Washington businesses tourism dollars that rural communities rely on. My team is focused on finding solutions for Washingtonians.”

“You can’t predict emergencies or disasters,” said Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Angeles). “I’m grateful to the governor for stepping up and finding creative a solution, to our county partners for their diligence, and to the members of the community for chipping in. There are hundreds of businesses and hundreds of thousands of people who are going to benefit from that road being re-opened this summer.”

“We appreciate the governor finding an expedited funding solution to the Hoh Road repair,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim). “The Jefferson County Public Works Department, with this timely funding, will be able to open the road for the summer tourist season. I would also like to give a shout out to all the folks that stepped up with private funding to help provide a match to the Governor’s emergency funding.”

“I am very appreciative of Governor Ferguson’s leadership working with private sector partners and local government officials to secure the funding needed to reopen the Hoh Road,” Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles). “Without him leaning into this issue, access to the Olympic National Park would have been in question at a time when the public is clearly expressing support for more, not less, access to public lands.”

“Governor Ferguson’s leadership on behalf of Washingtonians and visitors alike will ensure people get to enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the Hoh Rain Forest and Olympic National Park in the coming months,” Jefferson County Commission Chair Heidi Eisenhour said. “In a conversation with him over the weekend, Governor Ferguson exhibited his appreciation of the unique visitor experience offered by Olympic National Park’s Hoh Rain Forest and the critical role that this road plays in the economy of both Jefferson and Clallam counties. To that end we’re getting right to work on planning for the repairs while still solidifying the funding plan in partnership with the State.”

Covering approximately 24 square miles, the Hoh Rain Forest is one of the largest temperate rainforests in the U.S. Late last year, heavy rainfall washed out the Upper Hoh Road, which provides the only access to the campgrounds, trail heads and visitor center. Approximately 176,566 vehicles used the road to access the rainforest in 2024, bringing nearly 460,000 visitors according to the National Park Service. The road is located in the Hoh River Watershed near the Hoh Indian Reservation, roughly 30 miles southeast of Forks.

Media reports indicated that some campers with reservations at the Hoh Rain Forest Campground were told they should cancel if their stay was before June.

While the Upper Hoh Road belongs to Jefferson County, its sole purpose is to access federal land. When the road has been damaged in previous storms, the county has been able to access emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration. Those funds have not yet been granted.

Governor Ferguson read recent media reports about the situation and asked his team to put together options to assist the county. Ferguson convened with state Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Angeles), Sen. Mike Chapman (D-Port Angeles), Rep. Steve Tharinger (D-Sequim), Jefferson County officials and Forks city leaders on Saturday, March 8. 

County officials estimate it will cost approximately $650,000 to repair the Upper Hoh Road, and that repairs will take approximately a month to complete, once funds and any necessary permits are secured. An earlier estimate provided to media outlets included the cost for the other storm-damaged road near the national park, Quinault South Shore Road. Both roads are included in the request for emergency funds from the Federal Highway Administration, which is still pending.

To resolve the issue in time for peak travel season this summer, Governor Ferguson approved $623,000 from the Economic Development Strategic Reserve Account for use on the project. The fund is created by statute for specific purposes supporting Washington’s economy, including protecting jobs. Only the governor may authorize the use of this account. By law, use of these funds must be accompanied by private investment.

The local community stepped up to invest in re-opening the road. In less than three days, the community rallied, with dozens of individuals and businesses committing to donate a total of $27,240. Donations ranged from a few dollars to several thousand. Those donors include:

• Olympic Lodging, $5,000
• Miller Tree Inn, $1,000
• Forks Outfitters, $1,000
• Hoh Valley Cabins, $1,000

The private funds will go directly to Jefferson County, which will be overseeing the work.

The Hoh Rain Forest averages about 140 inches of rain per year, according to the National Park Service. “The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest,” according to the Park Service website.

Santos is Ferguson’s first judicial appointment

OLYMPIA – Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced the appointment of Benjamin Santos to the King County Superior Court, his first judicial appointment since taking office in January. Santos’ appointment, effective April 1, fills the position being vacated by Judge Annette Messitt, who resigns from the bench March 31.

Santos has more than two decades of experience as a senior deputy prosecutor in King County. At the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Santos has led the Misdemeanor and Special Assault units and currently serves as Assistant Chief Deputy in the Juvenile Division. 

“Ben Santos will be an exceptional addition to the King County Superior Court bench,” Ferguson said. “He has worked to protect the rights of both victims and the accused, inside and outside the courtroom. This lifelong commitment to our justice system combined with his broad legal experience will serve Washingtonians well.”

“Today, I stand on the shoulders of many who paved the way,” Santos said. “I’m deeply honored to be appointed by the Governor and to serve the people of King County and the State of Washington in this new chapter of public service.”

Santos is a first-generation American. His parents fought for Filipino cannery workers and against the Philippine dictatorship in the 1970s, shaping his sense of justice and commitment to public service.  Prior to earning his law degree, Santos advocated for marginalized residents in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District, where he helped mitigate the impacts of development projects.

Santos has prosecuted a broad range of cases. He has collaborated with partners in the justice system to address the statewide sexual assault kit backlog and explore evidence-based strategies for reducing juvenile recidivism.

Santos started his legal career as an intern with the Public Defender’s Service and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. He served as a law clerk for current Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu when she served on the King County Superior Court. Santos also worked for a year as a consultant to the National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development in D.C.   

Santos earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University, where he co-founded the Filipino American Student Association and one of the first Filipino American fraternities in the country. He earned his law degree from American University in Washington, D.C.

He lives in Seattle with his wife and two children.

Appointments now to be considered by the state Senate 

OLYMPIA – Governor Bob Ferguson announced today the reappointments of Molly Linville and Jim Anderson and the appointment of Victor Garcia to serve on the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Commission. The three appointees will begin serving as Commissioners immediately while they await confirmation by the Washington state Senate.

The three appointments come after Governor Ferguson requested the Senate return two appointments by Gov. Jay Inslee that were still pending Senate approval. The Senate unanimously approved sending the appointments back.

The governor made this request in light of the Ruckelshaus report, and outreach from multiple individuals, entities, and tribes in order to conduct a thorough appointment process and carefully evaluate all eligible candidates. After the Senate agreed to call back the appointments, the governor had 60 days to offer new ones.

The Ruckelshaus report raised several concerns about the commission, including the appointment process. From the report: “Many referred to the Commission as being dysfunctional, politically polarized, and caught up in conflict. When asked how to address these issues, some proposed eliminating the Commission and moving to an entirely new governance structure.”

The nine-member Fish & Wildlife Commission establishes policies to preserve, protect and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities. These policies must be compatible with healthy and diverse fish and wildlife populations. The commission’s governor-appointed members serve six-year terms. The commission holds meetings and hearings around the state and offers opportunities for the public to weigh in on fish and wildlife issues.

Garcia, an educator and former commercial fisherman, is new to the commission. Linville, a rancher and wildlife biologist, and Anderson, who has worked in natural resources for four decades, have previously served on the commission.

“Molly, Jim and Victor offer deep and varied experience, as well as unique perspectives to the Fish & Wildlife Commission,” Ferguson said. “The Ruckelshaus report raised serious concerns about the commission, and we believe these individuals will help to address those issues.”

Governor Ferguson chose today’s appointees after an extensive interview process, utilizing a diverse interview panel to evaluate all of the 14 eligible individuals who applied for the Commission over the past year.

About the appointees

Anderson has worked in natural resources for the past four decades, including working with two Indian Tribes prior to his time with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. He was originally appointed to the commission in July of 2019. He graduated from Washington State University in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and earned a master’s degree in the same in 1978. Anderson is an active fisher, hunter and outdoor recreationalist.

Garcia has taught AP Environmental Science and other science courses for several Washington school districts, including Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Ocosta. After growing up in Grays Harbor, he also worked as a commercial fisherman in Alaska and a field biologist in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. He has a bachelor’s degree in marine zoology from the University of Washington and a master’s in science education from Vanderbilt University.

Linville was also originally appointed to the commission in July of 2019. She is a Douglas County rancher and farmer from a fifth-generation wheat and barley farm near Reardan in Lincoln County. She holds a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology from the University of Montana and worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a wildlife biologist and a wildlife refuge manager. She began a master’s program at Washington State University before taking over a 100-year-old, 6,000-acre cattle ranch near Wenatchee with her husband David after her father-in-law’s death.

Washington becomes first state to make Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha state holidays

TACOMA — Governor Bob Ferguson has signed into law a bill officially recognizing Muslim holidays Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha as state holidays, making Washington the first state to do so. Ferguson signed the historic legislation surrounded by a standing-room-only crowd at the Islamic Center of Tacoma.

Senate Bill 5106, sponsored by Sen. Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma), adds both Eid holidays to a list of 20 other state holidays. Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D-Redmond) sponsored the companion bill.

Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are among the most significant Islamic holidays, celebrated by millions globally, including more than 100,000 Washingtonians.

The new law does not establish Eid holidays as paid holidays, but rather adds them to the state’s list of recognized observances, similar to Lunar New Year or Billy Frank Jr. Day.

“This legislation does more than expand our list of state holidays,” Ferguson said. “Recognizing Eid holidays shows our Muslim friends, family and neighbors that we honor their culture and religious practice.”

During Tuesday’s community celebration, Sen. Trudeau — the first Muslim elected to the Legislature — addressed the crowd at the Islamic Center of Tacoma.

“I want to thank everyone who supported this bill and helped ensure that our state respects all people of faith and their constitutionally protected right to practice their religion freely and safely," Sen. Trudeau said. "This is a simple bill, but by lifting up our Muslim community and our state’s commitment to religious liberty and the freedom to practice one's faith free of fear and judgment, Washington is a richer and more vibrant place. This is a state where everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and everyone belongs, no matter what your religion is.”

Rep. Salahuddin — the first and only Muslim member of the state House — also spoke Tuesday.

“This legislation is about more than just a date on the calendar,” Rep. Salahuddin said. “It’s about fostering respect, visibility, and inclusion for a community that has too often been overlooked.”

The new law comes as Muslims in the U.S. are experiencing increased discrimination. In Washington, one report from 2024 shows more than 82% of Muslims reported being the target of Islamophobia in the past year.

Watch Governor Ferguson’s remarks and bill signing here.