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White Salmon council pauses on SR‑141 speed‑reduction letter, requests data from coalition
Summary
After discussing a community request to lower speeds on State Route 141, the White Salmon City Council agreed to gather more information from the Pucker Huddle Coalition — including prior contacts with county commissioners and data supporting proposed speed reductions — before sending a letter of support.
Mayor Marla Keethler and the White Salmon City Council discussed a request from the Pucker Huddle Coalition for city support of reduced speed limits on State Route 141 but did not send a letter at the March 4 meeting.
Councilmember Patty Fink introduced the item and said she had drafted a letter expressing the city’s general support for the coalition’s effort to lower speeds along the corridor near the Urban Growth Area. Fink argued that, based on her experience in transportation, lowering speeds in zones with multiple driveways, curves, narrow shoulders and mixed bicycle or pedestrian activity is common practice in growing suburban areas.
Councilmember Ben Giant asked whether the proposed changes were backed by traffic data or established best practices. Public Works Director Chris True said the Regional Transportation Council safety action plan prepared by consultant DKS is included in the council packet and that the city’s grant pursuit through the WSDOT City Safety Program reflects recommendations from that plan. He also noted that temporary speed reductions have previously required traffic studies when requested of outside jurisdictions.
Mayor Keethler and City Attorney Shawn MacPherson reminded the council that SR‑141 lies under county and state jurisdiction and urged caution about intervening where the city lacks authority. Police Chief Mike Hepner said he receives resident complaints about speeding on the route but typically directs callers to the county sheriff’s office for enforcement on state roads.
After an initial motion to send a letter was moved and seconded, Councilmember Patty Fink withdrew the motion and later proposed a revised motion to support the coalition contingent on getting more information; that motion was also withdrawn. Instead, the council reached a general consensus to request additional details from the coalition — specifically, what steps the coalition has already taken with county commissioners, the data or rationale supporting the proposed speed reductions, and evidence of community support such as petitions or letters — and asked Councilmember Morella Mora to work with the coalition to gather the requested information and return with a revised proposal at a future meeting.
The council did not adopt a formal motion or vote on the letter at the March 4 meeting; staff and council members said further information would be required before the city takes formal action.
