Five important community projects received a funding boost from the San Juan County Council on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Through the Public Facilities Financing Assistance Program, the Orcas Island Library, the San Juan Island Parks & Recreation District, the Port of Lopez, the San Juan County Parks and Fair Department and Orcas Recycling Services will share the $303,225 available this year through a bidding process.

The Orcas Library will receive $60,000 to replace the park stairs; the John O. Linde Community Park in Friday Harbor will receive $35,000 to pay for the playground; Lopez Island Airport is going to receive $13,400 to improve airplane camping facilities; The fairgrounds will get $44,825 to improve and upgrade RV camping; and Orcas Recycling Services will receive $150,000 to rebuild the Exchange Building on Orcas Island.

The PFFAP funding is generated through the collection of a 0.09 percent sales tax, and use tax for public facilities serving economic development purposes in rural counties. It is also used to finance personnel in the economic development office.

Each year, the county calls for proposals that must fit within well-defined state and county criteria and process. The applications are reviewed by an evaluation team made up of representatives from the county, the Town of Friday Harbor, the port districts, and the Economic Development Council. A recommendation for funding goes on to public hearing before the county council, and funding awards are made. The funds must be used within 2.5 years.

Funds totaling $2,286,365 have been awarded through this program since 2008.