||| FROM FIX OUR FERRIES |||


OLYMPIA, WA – A significant delegation of local elected officials and community leaders from across Washington’s ferry-served regions will converge in Olympia from February 4-6, 2025, for Fix Our Ferries Lobby Days. With ferry service disruptions continuing to cripple communities across the Puget Sound, these leaders are demanding urgent legislative action to fully restore Washington’s marine highways.

Among those attending are county commissioners and council members, Ferry Advisory Committee representatives, and business and community leaders from Vashon Island, Kitsap County, Island County, San Juan County, and Bainbridge Island.

A Unified Voice for Immediate Action
The presence of so many public officials from around the region in Olympia highlights the widespread economic and social consequences of Washington State Ferries’ ongoing operational challenges. Service reductions, vessel shortages, and staffing crises have continued to disrupt lives and businesses, delay emergency medical care, and isolate entire communities.

“This is no longer just a transportation issue—it’s an economic, public health, and infrastructure emergency,” said Amy Drayer, Director of Islanders for Ferry Action, a founding member of the Fix Our Ferries regional coalition. “Local governments are stepping up because our communities are still suffering, and we can’t afford to wait years for relief.”

Members of the delegations will meet with state legislators from multiple districts to push for the core priorities outlined in the Fix Our Ferries joint letter. The letter and priorities are co-signed by 29 regional entities, representing local agencies, governments, organizations, healthcare advocates, chambers of commerce, and elected officials from communities affected by this crisis:

  • Consistent, long-term ferry construction funding – one new vessel per year to prevent further collapse of the fleet.
  • Competitive, equitable wages and benefits for ferry crews to address staffing shortages and prevent cancellations that drive unreliability and service gaps.
  • Greater transparency and accountability from Washington State Ferries (WSF) to ensure communities are informed and engaged in decision-making.

A Coordinated Effort by Local Governments
The Fix Our Ferries coalition has grown into a powerful regional movement, bringing together elected officials and advocacy groups from across the Puget Sound. Each community will lead targeted legislative meetings on the following days:

  • Tuesday, February 4: Bainbridge Island
  • Wednesday, February 5: Vashon Island, Kitsap County, Island County
  • Thursday, February 6: San Juan County, Island County

These meetings will reinforce a clear and unified message: without immediate state intervention, ferry-dependent communities will continue to suffer economic losses, disruptions to essential services, and declining public health and safety.

“This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a statewide crisis,” continued Drayer. “Every delay in fixing our ferry system hurts businesses, workers, the elderly, and families across Washington.”

The broad regional participation from public officials underscores the urgent need for legislative action during the 2025 budget session. The ferry system cannot wait any longer for new vessels, more crew, and alternative solutions—change must be enacted now.

Fix Our Ferries regional coalition co-signers:

  • Bremerton Ferry Coalition
  • Clinton Ferry Advisory Committee
  • Community Water Taxi
  • Coupeville Ferry Advisory Committee
  • Downtown Bremerton Association
  • EDC of San Juan County
  • Ferry Lovers of Washington
  • Friday Harbor Town Council
  • Islanders for Ferry Action
  • Joshua Corsa, San Juan County EMS Medical Program Director
  • Marine Engineers Beneficial Association
  • Port of Bremerton
  • Raymont Jackson, Mayor, Friday Harbor
  • Representative Greg Nance
  • San Juan Island Parks and Recreation District
  • San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau
  • South Sound Chambers of Commerce Legislative Coalition, including:
    • Auburn Area Connect Chamber of Commerce
    • Covington Chamber of Commerce
    • Kent Chamber of Commerce
    • Puyallup Sumner Chamber of Commerce
  • Renton Chamber of Commerce
  • Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce
  • Tacoma-Pierce Chamber of Commerce
  • Vashon Ferry Advisory Committee
  • Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce
  • Vashon Island Healthcare District
  • Vashon Island School District
  • Vashon Be Prepared

FIX OUR FERRIES JOINT LETTER



 

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