(1) GMA Goal. Encourage economic development throughout the State that is consistent with adopted comprehensive plans, promote economic opportunity for all citizens of this State, especially for unemployed and for disadvantaged persons, and encourage growth in areas experiencing insufficient economic growth, all within the capacities of the State’s natural resources, public services, and public facilities.

Encourage the involvement of citizens in the planning process and ensure coordination between communities and jurisdictions to reconcile conflicts.

(2) Watershed Goal. Ensure long-term, sustainable, environmental and economic health of the watershed.

Ensure cooperation and coordination in resource management.

Promote stewardship by residents, decision makers, visitors, and agencies in the Port Angeles watershed.

(3) Outlook. The economy of Clallam County and the Port Angeles regional planning area has changed dramatically in the last 20 years. Twenty years ago, the area relied heavily on the forestry industry. Changes in forest management have led to increased efforts to diversify the region’s economic base. The recent relocation of Admiral Marine works to Clallam County with the addition of 150 new jobs is a prime example of diversification which strengthens the local economy. The region will continue to look to the forest industry, tourism, recreation, services, the construction industry and retail for its economic future. Light manufacturing and medical services also can play a vital role in the future.

A healthy, sustainable environment and economy must focus on development in place, redevelopment, and improving existing facilities. Existing levels of industry and commerce must be supported, and obsolete industries must be replaced by viable ones. Industries must be environmentally responsible if they wish to do business in Clallam County. And financial resources must be available to invest in new technologies that achieve the dual objectives of environmental and economic health.

Commercial and industrial development has and will continue to play a vital role in the economic development of the region. Commercial development, particularly retail, has expanded considerably in the last 10-year period. Industrial or manufacturing type jobs, however, have not flourished. Manufacturing is an important part of an economic development strategy: the jobs are family wage income, far exceeding service type jobs, and the sale of manufactured goods outside the region represent new dollars recruited within the local community. Both commercial and industrial development requires suitable locations, appropriately zoned, and with the necessary infrastructure.

The following table illustrates current commercial and industrial zoning within the region.