The state Supplemental Transportation Budget adopted by the Legislature during the 2024 session increased funding for Washington State Ferries. Ferry programs also received additional funding in the recently passed federal FY2024 appropriations bill. More details below.
What the increased state funding will do:
- Provide additional support for the planned construction of 5 new of ferries and electrification of 3 ferries
- Preserve and maintain existing fleet
- Enhance workforce development
- Provide passenger-only ferry service for Bremerton (continued) and Vashon (new)
- Convene ferry work group on funding, study economic impacts of ferry service and update passenger-only ferry service study
PSRC convened a group of local elected officials throughout the 2024 legislative session to take collective action to ensure both capital and operations for ferries were prioritized in the supplemental budget. A support letter signed by 49 local elected leaders was submitted to Senate and House Transportation Committee leadership. Thank you to all the local elected leaders who advocated.
We appreciate the Governor and the state Legislature for making sure critical resources are available to restore full ferry service as quickly as possible.
PSRC will be keeping a close eye on federal resources and potential policy actions that could increase WSF’s competitiveness for other funding sources. Stay tuned.
State Supplemental Transportation Budget Details
Workforce Investments ($15.27M total):
- $10m for two additional crew to be added to each shift. At full implementation, 70 additional Ordinary Sailors and 90 engine room Oilers will be added, providing redundancy when employees are not available to work.
- $2.1m to double the number of Able-Bodied Sailors to gain credentials and pilotage experience to become Licensed Deck Officers.
- $988k to increase the number of engine room internships (Wipers) from 10 to 26.
- $935k for dispatch staff available to fill crew openings around the clock.
- $538k for human resources staffing to ensure prompt hiring of new WSF employees.
- $540k increased class sizes and stipends for the New Mate Scholars to complete training at the Marine Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies and meet pilotage requirements.
- $169k for service planner to assist with planning route changes.
Other Ferry Investments:
- $73m to address cost increases for conversion and new vessel construction.
- $33m for preservation this biennia and next.
- $5m ($4m new) for additional service for Bremerton passenger only ferry service.
- $3.17m for additional service on Vashon passenger-only ferry service.
Studies:
- $100k work group to review Washington State Ferries (WSF) funding requirements and explore dedicated funding sources.
- $140k for Center for Economic and Business Research to conduct an economic impact study of the Washington State Ferry system.
- $550k for update of passenger-only ferry study.
Of these new ferry investments, $196 million is from the Climate Commitment Act.
Federal Appropriations Update
FY24 Appropriations:
- $20m is available for ferry boat grants, of which no less than $5m is available only for low or zero emission ferries or ferries using electric battery or fuel cell components and the infrastructure to support such ferries.
- $20m is available for ferry service for rural communities. WSDOT is now eligible for this funding due to language Senator Murray added to the bill.