WSDOT Ferries Division finalizes long-range plan

Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Contact: Marta Coursey, Communications Director, 206-515-3918

SEATTLE – Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will purchase five new vessels over the next five years as part of a long-range plan that will guide its services and investments through 2030.

“After a lot of hard work by the Legislature, Gov. Gregoire and WSDOT, we are finally at a place where we can look ahead to long-term, sustainable service of our marine highways,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “This is good news for the communities that depend on our marine transportation system, but also for the entire state of Washington.”

“The final long-range plan for the ferry system is the culmination of the efforts of many people, including lawmakers, ferry served communities, and WSDOT,” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “The plan sets a path for WSF between now and 2030 with the first milestone being construction of the 64-auto ferry.”

The plan assumes that current levels of service remain as they are today with minor improvements as new vessels are acquired to replace retiring vessels. Other plan highlights include:

Purchase 10 new vessels to replace retired and retiring vessels
Preserve and maintain existing terminals and vessels
Investigate new technology for vehicle reservations systems at Anacortes/Sidney B.C. and Port Townsend/Keystone, and to look at options to incorporate reservations on other routes
Make transit supportive investments at select terminals
The plan identifies a net funding gap of $3.3 billion over the next 22 years with most of that deficit in the capital program. WSF will continue to work with the Legislature to identify a sustainable funding source for the ferry system.

You may download a copy of WSF’s final long-range plan online at

www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.htm

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