Washington installs new welcome sign

WASHINGTON — Drivers on their way into Washington from the south will now enjoy a flashy new greeting from the community, with a new welcome sign installed near the business park along Highway 1.

The signage — placed on March 6 — represents a collaborative funding and organization push to promote local tourism from Washington’s hotel/motel tax committee and its chamber of commerce. Funding for the effort came from the Washington County Riverboat Foundation, Washington Betterment Foundation and the hotel/motel tax fund.

It’s the first of several new signs slated for installation around Washington this year, including 13 wayfinding markers and another welcome sign along Highway 92, east of town.

“Different groups have been trying to get these big welcome signs for years,” Mayor Pro Tem Millie Youngquist said. “It’s a welcoming feature, it helps people to navigate the city, you go to other places and you find these types of signs. I think it adds an attractiveness, and it’s helpful to people visiting.”

People involved said the effort took around a year and a half to come together, as they worked out $50,000 in funding, scouted for ideal locations, chose graphic designs and researched DOT signage requirements.

Washington Chamber of Commerce Director Michelle Redlinger said it was exciting to see the teamwork pay off.

“The sign is more than just a marker, it symbolizes our commitment to hospitality, community pride, and we hope that all who visit Washington feel welcome,” she said.

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Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com