PUGET ISLAND, Wash - Federal stimulus money is to be used to rebuild the Westport Ferry terminal on Puget Island.
The award of the money was announced U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-Wash. , Wednesday.
About $590,000 is involved. The money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"This ferry system provides a lifeline for citizens when the state highways are blocked by landslides or floods," said Baird. "If this ferry terminal is not fixed, it could fail leaving thousands of residents stranded after a catastrophic weather event, with no way to get out, and no way for emergency services to get in."
Baird has long been a supporter of the ferry system. In the 2005 transportation reauthorization bill (2005), he secured more than $200,000 to begin the project; the funding announced Wednesday will allow the project to be completed.
Construction is expected to begin by the fall.
"Ferries provide a crucial lifeline for so many commuters in our state," said Murray. "This funding will create jobs, boost the economy, and is a strong investment in our state's transportation system. I understand the importance of ferries in Washington state, and I fought to include funding in the recovery package to support projects like the reconstruction of the Puget Island Ferry terminal landing that strengthen this critical link in our transportation chain."
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