Editor,

One of the questions asked about the proposed Langley funicular in a letter to the editor of 12/13 was “who will benefit (economically)?”

First, according to the city website, tour boat operators have indicated that a better conveyance up the bluff is “necessary for them to provide service.” So at present the regular Victoria Clipper visits go to Coupeville. Langley, with far more shops, restaurants, bars, galleries, movie theater, playhouse, and walkable grocery, would appear to be a much more desirable destination. Imagine Langley getting one-day Clipper visits regularly and also more B&B packages wherein visitors can stay multiple nights and catch the Clipper again on a subsequent run.

Dubuque, Iowa, because of similar numbers and types of adjacent shops, appears to be the closest comparable to Langley. Owners called, reporting that up to 50 percent of their revenue is from the hundreds of people a day who come to ride their funicular as an amusement. Its primary attraction is the view from the top.

Given a Langley funicular’s additional attributes — a more practical transportation function for both marina and downtown destinations, as well as its magnificent panoramic view of Puget Sound and the Cascades — and considering only a very small number of cities in the United States even have public funiculars, one can easily visualize what an icon Langley’s funicular could become!

“The shortest, steepest scenic railway in the world” (Dubuque) would have a new titleholder. That being said, for the Langley funicular to be “an attraction in and of itself” it must have a wide unobstructed view along the full length of its dramatic rise from the bottom to the crest of the bluff. That spectacular kind of ride has the potential to draw people from far and wide generating more revenue downtown, increased sales tax, and more marina expansion; benefiting not only the city but all of South Whidbey.

This project takes the kind of vision and leadership it seems the mayor and council are ready to bring to the task. I hope residents and other interested parties will come out and support the process to push this effort over the goal line!

ERIC LEVINE

Langley