Mudslide communities getting tourism money
OLYMPIA -- Areas near the Oso mudslide will get some state money to boost tourism this summer as a way to help their economies.
Gov. Jay Inslee approved a $150,000 request from the state Commerce Department to supplement local business and government spending on promoting Darrington and the Stillaguamish Valley as a destination for summer travelers, helping to combat public perception that getting to the region is difficult.
It will promote businesses and attractions accessible by Highway 20 and summer events like the Darrington Timberbowl Rodeo, Summer Meltdown and Bluegrass Festival, targeting potential travelers in the Puget Sound and Vancouver, British Columbia.