||| FROM KOMO NEWS |||
OLYMPIA, Wash. — More than a dozen Washington state lawmakers are pushing Gov. Jay Inslee to declare a state of emergency for Washington State Ferries (WSF).
The end goal of the move is to make it possible for the state to get two new ferries within two years.
“We have a state of emergency. The question is, do we have the political will to call it what it is,” said state representative Spencer Hutchins, (R) Gig Harbor.
KOMO News has documented countless issues that WSF has and continues to face. WSF is working with fewer boats than it needs to fully run all of its routes, an aging fleet that requires a substantial amount of maintenance and repairs, a shortage of workers, and other mishaps.
Any single or combination of these issues often causes delays and cancellations in the service that people need to get to and from home, work, medical appointments, and more.
Rep. Hutchins and Rep. Andrew Barkis (R-Olympia) introduced bipartisan legislation calling on the governor to make the emergency declaration so he can use his power to acquire two non-hybrid electric ferries.
KOMO News asked Gov. Jay Inslee for his thoughts on this bill, and although he said he hadn’t seen it, he did say, “I’m alert to any suggestions to do that, so I will welcome any suggestions, but I’m unaware of any real statutory impediment (to procurement), just a matter of getting the bids in.”
But Ian Sterling, with WSF, told KOMO News they don’t plan to start taking bids until spring. He said WSF plans to meet with potential boat builders in the coming weeks before taking bids.
ALSO SEE | How realistic is Washington State Ferries’ contingency plan for aging fleet, staffing issues?
The lawmakers behind HB2498 lawmakers said Inslee’s pursuit of hybrid-electric ferries resulted in skyrocketing costs and sluggish procurement.
“We are burning a cleaner boat, much cleaner than we were years ago as far as emissions go, but under this administration, there’s one priority, and his priority over all things has been climate over everything,” said Barkis.
I do not understand I hear all the complaints about the ferry system and when rep’s from our political group try to get some new ferry’s you say nothing to encourage them or the Gov too act I ask myself what’s wrong with all the people who complain about it?
“We are burning a cleaner boat, much cleaner than we were years ago as far as emissions go, but under this administration, there’s one priority, and his priority over all things has been climate over everything,” said Barkis.
No transition plan, just slam on the brakes and send everyone through the windshield. Unstated but reported on KOMO was that any new boat ordered now will be delivered no earlier than 2028.
So what’s the complaint ? About 70% of SJC voted for this guy, as my Mom used to say, be careful what you wish for you just might get it.
Phil
Fun timelapse video of the Tokiotae construction:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE5q77x6IZI
Construction began March 2012 according to the notes below the video. She joined the fleet April 2014. About 2 years in construction.
The link below is a recent article outlining some of the problems the state has faced and is facing getting a new hybrid ferry (ferries) into service:
https://the-pipeline.org/electric-ferries-and-other-fairytales/
One problem with fast tracking construction of non hybrid ferries is the state would be looking at a 40 to 50 year ferry life span. The state might be inclined to delay until hybrid ferries can be constructed.
We are planning accordingly.
Bob
Bob
Who is planning accordingly?
Thanks
HR
HR
My wife and I. I should have been clearer I don’t have any insider info. We are lucky to be retired and have more flexibility to adjust (plan) our “off island” activities than many of the other residents that have off island jobs, school etc.
I don’t expect any new ferries in service for at least 3-4 years especially if we stay with hybrids. I hope WFS is able to increase crew manpower as lack of crew seems to be where a lot of the canceled/late sailings come from.
Bob
Thanks for that I understand.
I’m concerned about getting ferries built this Connor continue this way,we now have two reps one from the 2nd and one from the 26 district and also 10 or more other districts, not sure of the total it is a start! It has not been brought to to floor and the leadership is trying to make it go away, this bill would fund two diesel electric boats using the plans that are already drawn up and in the fleet as we speak.
So we would have boats sooner than at the earliest 2028 I think that is also unrealistic for a time frame at a much larger cost as well.
Also I have contacted two of the three reps from the 40th and they do not kown about the the bill, find that hard to believe?
I hope that people will contact the reps and urge them to pass this bill and get boats being built.