WSF Weekly Report | House testimony, retirement, underwater camera, and a ferry-tale wedding

||| FROM PATTY RUBSTELLO for WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES |||

Remarks to U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit

I had the privilege of speaking about our ferry system to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on Tuesday during a hearing titled “Examining the Role of Ferries in Improving Mobility.” In my testimony, and questions following, I highlighted the role of ferry transportation in reducing congestion and contributing to clean mobility alternatives and the importance of federal programs that support this mode of transportation. My remarks focused on the critical services we provide and our role in improving mobility, the continued need for strong federal support for public ferry systems, our electrification efforts and the current challenges we face, including the effects of the pandemic and workforce shortages.

I presented via Zoom Tuesday to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, which falls under the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

One of our first female captains retiring

After nearly half a century at Washington State Ferries, Capt. Marsha Morse is retiring this week. In 1975, Marsha was part of our second incoming class of ordinary seamen that included women. Through her hard work and dedication, she worked her way up the ranks, becoming one of our first female captains. Congratulations Marsha and thank you for being a trailblazer for women in our workforce!

Capt. Marsha Morse’s fellow crewmembers threw her a retirement party last week on the Kitsap on our Fauntleroy/ Vashon/Southworth route, where she usually works.

WSF Leadership Award

Senior Port Engineer of Maintenance Bill Schweyen was announced as this year’s WSF Leadership Award recipient yesterday. This award recognizes an individual who leads by building trust, inspiring others and working hard to make WSF better as a whole. Bill has management and supervisory responsibilities for four Port Engineers and nearly 400 licensed and unlicensed engine room employees. Congratulations and job well done!

Chief of Staff Nicole McIntosh and I had the honor of virtually presenting Senior Port Engineer Bill Schweyen with the WSF Leadership Award yesterday.

New underwater livestream camera at Tahlequah terminal

Ever wonder what it looks like underwater at our terminals? If so, check out our new Tahlequah marine livestream! This camera was installed in partnership with Vashon Nature Center for scientists and volunteers to monitor the effects of our recent shoreline restoration project, along with providing a fun educational experience for everyone!

Couple marries on route that connected them

Here’s another one for our ferry-tale love story archives! Carol Heimgartner of Coupeville and Alan Johanson of Port Townsend got married aboard Salish earlier this month on the route that connects their two communities and where they had their first face-to-face meeting nearly a year ago. After dozens of rides across the water, the couple decided our ferry was the most fitting place to tie the knot. Congratulations, Carol and Alan!

The newlyweds with our Salish crewmembers. View onboard wedding information on our special occasions webpage.

Deadline extended for new ferry name proposals

Want to help name our first new hybrid-electric Olympic-class ferry? The Washington State Transportation Commission (WSTC) has extended its deadline to submit proposals to Friday, Oct. 8. Be sure to follow naming guidelines. Proposals must identify how they conform to those guidelines, provide background, make a case for the proposal and provide evidence of public support. The new vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2025.

One more day to tweet #FerryFotoContest photos

Want to see your photo on the cover of our printed sailing schedules? All you have to do is follow @wsferries, then post your photographs on Twitter by noon tomorrow, Oct. 1. Be sure to include the hashtag #FerryFotoContest. If you’re wondering about the competition, we’ve received about 150 eligible pics so far! Read our blog for more information on rules and requirements. We will tweet the photos of our six finalists at noon Monday, Oct. 11, starting a weeklong public voting period.