As the economy improves, and with approval by the Island County Commissioners of up to $837,000 in funding for a non-motorized trail in Freeland, we think it’s time to move forward in earnest on a proposed trail from Deception Pass Bridge to the Clinton ferry.

The seed for such a project dates back to at least 2006.

In July 2014, when the commissioners pulled funding for the Freeland portion of the trail, there were concerns expressed by Commissioner Jill Johnson and former Commissioner Aubrey Vaughn that the trail project only follow a firm plan for a transit transfer station along the path.

At the time, Johnson said she didn’t share Commissioner Helen Price Johnson’s priority for an island-wide trail and said she knew people who talked about it “with an eyeroll.”

Price Johnson responded by saying her constituents on South Whidbey saw great value in a trail without a transit station as part of the plan.

“I think it’s a false dilemma you’re proposing,” Price Johnson told Johnson and Vaughn. “Folks in Freeland are very excited about having this opportunity.”

Thurston County also sees the value in trails. The 14.5-mile Yelm-Rainier-Tenino trail not only spans those communities, but also connects them to a 22-mile trail to Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Mileage markers along the way serve as incentives for those using the trails for exercise — and there are many who use them.

Rain or shine, the Thurston County trails are populated by runners, walkers, bicyclists, rollerbladers and nature enthusiasts.

Of course, such a venture cannot be built — or even funded — overnight. Thurston County is not wealthy. It took years to complete the Yelm-Tenino trail project. But it is now a well-used link to the various communities.

In a demonstration of foresight, the Island County commissioners should start setting aside money and work on obtaining state and federal grants to fund sections of a bridge-to-ferry trail.

In addition to the newly funded Freeland trail, there’s a trail that runs along a portion of Central Whidbey, including through Coupeville.

Getting residents on the north end of Whidbey to see the value in having a trail from the bridge to Coupeville doesn’t seem like such a stretch.

Having a trail spanning Whidbey promises to improve the quality of life for every resident on this island.