Washington is applying to host an event that last passed through the city in 2000. At this week’s Washington City Council meeting the council signed a letter in favor of being an overnight stay during next summer’s RAGBRAI. Director of the Washington Chamber of Commerce Michelle Redlinger explained the Chamber has handled the application process in the past and she is also getting letters of support for the application from area organizations and entities in the county.

If Washington is selected, it would be the Friday night stop on July 24th. Redlinger adds there is a large group of volunteers in the community as witnessed during the Washington 175th Celebration in June.

Redlinger states approximately 15,000 cyclists take part in the event and they bring about $24 million during the weeklong event.

Councilmember Jaron Rosien states it would be an opportunity for area businesses. The application is due the end of this month and the decision for the 2015 route will be announced this winter.