The small town of Wilkeson, Washington has been devastated by the closure of the historic Fairfax Bridge on SR-165.

For over 100+ years, this bridge has connected our community to Mount Rainier National Park, sustained our tourism economy, and most importantly, ensured Fairfax residents safe and reliable access to emergency services.

Now, families who live beyond the bridge are cut off and isolated.

They face:

• Dangerous delays in 911 response — ambulances, fire, and law enforcement now take 45–60 minutes longer to reach residents.
• No reliable emergency communications — more than 35 residents live beyond the Fairfax Bridge in Carbon Canyon. With no phone lines and no viable way to reach emergency services, families are forced to rely on radios and even airhorns to call for help in a crisis.
• Daily hardships — long detours for groceries, school, medical care, and basic deliveries. Even routine supply and fuel deliveries cost more and are less reliable.

The situation is compounded by the closure of the White River Bridge on SR-410, which has cut off another primary access point. The dual bridge closures have left Wilkeson and surrounding communities isolated, stretching emergency response times even further and threatening the very survival of our town.

Why This Matters Now

Governor Ferguson has clarified that under current rules, he cannot issue an emergency proclamation for the Fairfax Bridge. While this limits access to certain emergency funding sources, it does not change the reality: residents are unsafe, businesses are failing, and our community is at risk of collapse.

That is why we are calling on state leaders and legislators to step up with dedicated funding, including immediate access to Washington’s Strategic Reserve Fund to:

• Move beyond “planning” and commit to rebuilding the Fairfax Bridge.
• Deliver emergency relief funds for residents and small businesses already harmed by the closures.
• Work with federal partners, 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 has been formally notified of the lack of 911 access, EMS delays, and communication failures. Continuing to plan without funding could be seen as negligence, given that the risks are known and documented. 
• Rural residents deserve equal protection and access to safe infrastructure. Anything less abandons them to unsafe and unconstitutional conditions.

Small Business Relief Fund

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

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

Since the Fairfax Bridge closure, some businesses have reported revenue losses exceeding 40%, while others are struggling week to week just to stay open. State and local emergency funding requests have been denied, with some officials suggesting businesses may simply have to close. That is not an acceptable option for us.

The Relief Fund will:

• Cover urgent expenses such as payroll, rent, and utilities.
• Provide short-term stabilization until long-term solutions are secured.
• Ensure our businesses can 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 Fairfax Bridge rebuild.
• Deliver emergency relief support to residents and businesses impacted by the closures.
• 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 Wilkeson’s businesses through the, Small Business Relief Fund on GoFundMe. Donate here!
• Share your story if you are a resident, business owner, or visitor impacted by the Fairfax and White River Bridge closures. Every story makes this crisis harder to ignore.
• Spread the word — share this petition and fundraiser with your networks.
   

Stand with Wilkeson: Sign the petition, support our small businesses, and help protect the future of our town and access to Mount Rainier.

Thank you for your support!
Wilkeson Historical District 

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Wolff Photography