Larsen announces $7 Million for ferries in Island & San Juan counties

||| FROM THE OFFICE OF U.S. REP. RICK LARSEN |||

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement:

“Rural communities I represent need more support and funding from the federal government,” said Rep. Larsen. “These dollars will help Washington State Ferries serve my constituents whose lives and livelihoods are tied to ferries, and I am glad to have helped bring this funding home. As the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will keep fighting for federal investments that make Washington’s ferry system more reliable and create good-paying jobs.”

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is awarding the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) $7.2 million for Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) Anacortes – San Juan Islands and Port Townsend – Coupeville routes. This funding will cover fuel costs to operate vessels.

The FTA is also awarding King County Metro Transit $22.1 million for its Seattle passenger-only ferry facility expansion project.

Rep. Larsen is a strong advocate for investing federal dollars in Washington state’s ferry system. His BUILD America 250 Act provides $1.7 billion in dedicated funding to construct and repair ferries:

• The bill boosts the Federal Highway Administration’s Ferry Boat program to $932 million (up from $570 million in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law).

• The bill provides the FTA’s ferry programs with $625 million in funding for urban areas and an additional $125 million in funding for rural and insular areas.

• The bill allows WSF more flexibility to apply for funding for ferries that serve urban and rural communities, which will help WSF invest in and maintain ferries to ensure residents of San Juan and Island counties have reliable transportation.

In May, the BUILD America 250 Act passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by a vote of 62-2.