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White Salmon council pauses on SR-141 speed‑reduction support, asks coalition for data
Summary
The council agreed March 4 to gather more information before sending a letter to county commissioners in support of the Pucker Huddle Coalition’s request to reduce speeds on State Route 141, citing jurisdictional limits and a need for traffic-study evidence.
The White Salmon City Council on March 4 reached a consensus to collect more information before approving a letter of support for the Pucker Huddle Coalition’s request to reduce speeds on State Route 141.
Councilmember Patty Fink introduced the item and said the coalition had contacted a county commissioner, who indicated additional community backing would strengthen the request. Fink argued the city’s support would benefit residents in and near the urban growth area and noted her transportation experience that often justifies lower speeds on roads with driveways, curves and active pedestrian or bicycle use.
Councilmember Ben Giant questioned whether proposed speed reductions were supported by data or by established best practices, and Councilmember David Lindley suggested the letter include a clearer call for county action such as a traffic study. Public Works Director Chris True told the council that a prior request to temporarily reduce speeds during nearby construction had been denied because a traffic study was required.
Mayor Marla Keethler cautioned that SR-141 is under county and state jurisdiction and urged the council to understand the coalition’s prior steps with county officials before intervening. Police Chief Mike Hepner said he receives resident complaints about speeding but generally directs callers to the county sheriff’s office for enforcement on state roads.
Councilmember Fink made a motion to send a letter of support; after procedural clarification from City Attorney Shawn MacPherson she withdrew the motion and reintroduced a revised request to gather additional information and potential edits to the draft letter. Councilors ultimately did not take a formal vote and instead agreed by consensus to ask the coalition for three items: what it has already asked of the county commissioner, the data or rationale supporting the specific speed reductions requested, and evidence of community support such as petitions or letters. Councilmember Morella Mora volunteered to work with the coalition to assemble that information and return a revised proposal for council consideration.
The council did not adopt a formal resolution or send a letter at the March 4 meeting. The item will return to a future agenda after the coalition supplies the requested documentation.
