Clallam County could take over the historic Slip Point Lighthouse property later this year.
The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a transfer of the 23-acre parcel from the U.S. Coast Guard to the county, Rep. Norm Dicks, D-Bremerton, said Thursday.
Tourism promoters on the West End have long pushed to gain control of the property.
“I think that this would give us some hope that we can eventually develop a maritime museum and a marine science center that we”ve been dreaming to do,” said Sande Balch, president of the Clallam Bay-Sekiu Chamber of Commerce.
But the move might force two sheriff’s deputies who live at Slip Point to relocate.
This report appears in full in today’s Clallam County edition of the Peninsula Daily News. Look for it at newstands and stores throughout the county, or click on “Subscribe” at left to order your copy via U.S. mail.