From the office of Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, [on August 2 noted] $5.8 million in federal funding for ferries in Northwest Washington. The U.S. Department of Transportation grants will fund infrastructure and passenger service improvements.
“In Northwest Washington we know that ferries are a critical part of our national transportation system,” Larsen said. “Like too much of our aging infrastructure, our ferry system needs investment. These grants will create jobs and help make sure that folks who rely on ferries are traveling safely and efficiently.”
The details of the grants are as follows:
- San Juan County – $600,000 – Lopez Terminal Trestle Pavement Rehabilitation
- Skagit County – $1,200,000 – Guemes Ferry Dolphin Replacement
- Whatcom County – $400,000 – Gooseberry Point Docking and Mooring Improvements
- Washington state – $900,000 – Replace public announcement and general alarm systems
- Washington state – $700,000 – Create an announcement system using display screens to keep hearing-impaired passengers informed
- Washington state – $2,000,000 – New power assemblies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions for up to seven ferries
Washington ferries will receive more funding in future years thanks to a provision that Larsen successfully included language in the recently enacted transportation bill. More information on that legislation can be found here.
The funds come through the Department of Transportation’s Ferry Boat Discretionary Program. For more information on the program, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/fbd2012info.htm.
Please note that since state law requires all new ferries to be built within the state, while federal grants must be open nationwide for bidding. Since most of our state construction yards are bankrupt, all federal funds allocated for the ferry system end up being allocated for marginal items, and not for new ferries.
How about a simple addition of being able to access basic information online like, the next ferry to Orcas takes XXX number of cars, and there are currently XXX in line.
That way we all would know whether a ferry is overloaded before we make a run for it on the chance we’ll “make” it. Update the number in line in real time at that little booth at the Anacortes dock, where you get directed to your lane, and they seem to be taking paper notes.
Steve – It would be nice if the rules allowed for a broader selection of contractors. Might be cheaper. However, there are a number of new ferries being built in Washington right now, the first of which is either in service now or completing sea trials. Vigor Industries in Seattle (formerly Todd Shipyards) is the contractor.
Oops – I hit send too soon. Given the dramatic needs of the ferry system, it’s a pretty lackluster list of projects.
I believe that the ferry system requires more attention that this election-year press release. I’m insulted by how resoundingly stupid the incumbents tapparently believe we all are here in SJC. None of them is Santa or the tooth fairy; that funding, which produces precious little this cycle from the looks of it, is our tax money. To the extent that we receive more than our fair share of appropriations due to someone’s “influence,” we know that the system is corrupt.