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Dear Legislative Leaders:
We are local elected officials from ferry communities across Puget Sound coming together to call upon state lawmakers to make robust investments in Washington State Ferries (WSF) to restore full ferry system service.
We thank state legislators for prioritizing and investing in the ferry system to build and maintain vessels and improve reliability in the ferry workforce. We also thank Governor Ferguson for his commitment to the ferry system and including funding to increase recruitment and retention of ferry crew. We urge lawmakers to continue prioritizing ferry investments to address the immediate needs our communities are facing due to reduced service.
Ferries are an essential part of our local communities. They bring tourists to our home-grown small businesses, hotels and restaurants. They transport our residents to life-saving medical appointments. They provide access to family and cultural connections. They get people to and from their jobs.
We recommend the following priorities to build and preserve vessels, ensure full staffing, and provide short-term solutions to address service gaps.
Vessel Construction, Preservation, and Electrification
We must continue on the path to build five new hybrid-electric ferries and ensure resources are available to build one additional hybrid-electric ferry per year, if the goal of the 26-vessel fleet called for in WSF’s 2040 Long Range Plan is to be met. Adequate funding for preservation and maintenance of aging vessels must also be a budget priority to ensure existing vessels continue to operate to avoid further service interruptions.
Workforce Development
Retaining existing ferry crew, recruiting new staff and addressing upcoming retirements are vital to restoring and enhancing ferry service. We support the following workforce development initiatives:
- Maintaining investments to provide training opportunities for existing crew, add dispatch and vessel crew staff, and support workforce development programs
- Governor Ferguson’s priority of crew recruitment and retention
Actions to Address Immediate Community Needs
Supplementing WSF service with state-funded local options and exploring creative solutions is necessary while ferry communities across the state wait for the ferry fleet to be fully restored. We recommend the state:
- Provide funding to maintain passenger-only ferry service in Kitsap County, King County, and the San Juan Islands to bridge the gap to full service on Washington State Ferries
- Increase funding by $900,000 to $2 million for traffic control at Seattle, Fauntleroy, Kingston, Edmonds, Mukilteo, and Bainbridge Island allowing each terminal to get coverage during peak ferry travel times
Action must be taken to preserve our marine highway system for our residents, businesses, and visitors. Please ensure ferries and ferry communities are a priority in the Transportation Budget.
Sincerely,