||| FROM KOMO NEWS |||
There is a new, urgent request for federal money to help the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system.
38 elected leaders from seven counties, eight cities, and two ports in western Washington signed a letter seeking federal ferry program funding at the highest level possible in the fiscal year 2025 budget, to help the state fully restore ferry service.
The system is operating with less than 50% of the vessels it needs to run a full schedule. This means routes are either not running at all or running with far fewer sailings than passengers had prior to the pandemic.
$140,000,000 granted the last 2 years. What did WSF spend that on? (Bonuses, more pay for the “bosses”?)
This article highlights the critical need for federal funding to restore Washington’s ferry system. The pandemic’s impact, staff retirements, and the aging fleet have significantly reduced capacity, making it difficult for islanders to access essential services and impacting the state’s economy.
I’m particularly interested in the impact on islanders’ access to healthcare. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges residents are facing in getting to medical appointments or picking up prescriptions due to the reduced ferry service?