The small towns of Wilkeson and Fairfax, Washington have been devastated by the closure of the historic Fairfax Bridge on SR-165.

For more than a century, this bridge has connected our community to Mount Rainier National Park, sustained our local tourism economy, and—most critically—provided Fairfax residents with safe, reliable access to emergency services.

Today, families who live beyond the bridge are cut off and isolated. They are facing:

• Dangerous delays in emergency response. Ambulances, fire crews, and law enforcement now take an additional 45–60 minutes to reach residents in need.
• No reliable emergency communications. More than 35 residents live beyond the bridge in Carbon Canyon with no phone service and no dependable way to reach 911. Families are forced to rely on radios—or even air horns—to call for help during emergencies.
• Daily hardships. Residents face long detours for groceries, school, medical care, and basic supplies. Fuel and delivery costs have increased, and routine services are no longer reliable.

Why This Matters Now
Governor Ferguson has clarified that, under current rules, an emergency proclamation cannot be issued for the Fairfax Bridge. While this limits access to certain emergency funding mechanisms, it does not change the reality on the ground: residents are unsafe, businesses are failing, and our community is at risk.

That is why we are calling on state leaders and legislators to take immediate action by providing dedicated funding to:

• Move beyond planning and commit to rebuilding the Fairfax Bridge
• Deliver emergency relief funds to residents and small businesses already harmed by the closure
• Partner with federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Park Service, to accelerate long-term access solutions

The Legal and Moral Stakes
The State of Washington has been formally notified of the lack of 911 access, extended EMS response times, and serious communication failures. Continuing to delay action without funding—despite documented and known risks—raises serious concerns about public safety and accountability.

Rural residents deserve the same protection and access to safe infrastructure as any other community. Anything less leaves families in unsafe and untenable conditions.

Wilkeson Small Business Relief Fund
In addition to this petition, we have launched the Wilkeson Small Business Relief Fund on GoFundMe.

For more than 100 years, Wilkeson has served as a gateway to Mount Rainier National Park. Our small businesses—the restaurants, shops, and local services that line our streets—are the backbone of our economy and the heart of our town.

Since the Fairfax Bridge closure:
• Businesses are reporting revenue losses exceeding 40 percent
• Others are struggling week-to-week just to stay open
• Requests for state and local emergency assistance have been denied, with some officials suggesting businesses may simply have to close

That is not an acceptable outcome.

The Relief Fund will:
• Cover urgent expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities
• Provide short-term stabilization while long-term solutions are secured
• Help ensure our businesses survive this crisis and continue serving residents and visitors

Our Call to Action
We, the undersigned, call on the State of Washington to:

• Provide dedicated state funding for a full Fairfax Bridge rebuild
• Deliver emergency relief to impacted residents and businesses
• Commit to real rebuilding—not buyouts—and restore long-term access to Mount Rainier National Park

How You Can Help
• Sign this petition to demand urgent state action
• Support HB 2149 and leave comments: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary/?BillNumber=2149&Year=2025&Initiative=false
• Donate to the Wilkeson Small Business Relief Fund on GoFundMe
• Share your story if you are a resident, business owner, or visitor impacted by the Fairfax Bridge closure
• Spread the word—share this petition and fundraiser with your networks

Stand with Wilkeson.
Protect rural access.
Help restore our connection to Mount Rainier.

Thank you for your support.

Wilkeson Historical District

https://www.wilkesonhistoricaldistrict.org
Photo courtesy of Jeff Wolff Photography