Following up on our report this morning about the King County Council meeting today as the Board of Directors for the new county Ferry District, which will operate the Water Taxi and other foot-ferry routes: The only action taken was the adoption of bylaws. The meeting video isn’t in the county’s online archives yet, but here’s the official press release:
The Board of Directors of the King County Ferry District today adopted by-laws to guide its operations as it reviews and develops plans for potential operation of local waterborne transit for county residents.
The by-laws call for representation on the board’s executive committee that reflects the geographic diversity of the entire county.
Board members elected Jane Hague as vice chair of the Ferry District Board.
“As we further analyze the ferry district’s projects and planning efforts, I will be looking for effective and efficient commute options,†said Board vice chair Hague. “It’s also important that the district benefits all parts of King County, including use of these routes as mitigation for major construction projects.â€Â
Members were also briefed on the interlocal agreement between the Ferry District and King County that outlines the County’s role in providing support services for the independent government that is the Ferry District.
A plan for Ferry District operations and funding is expected to be submitted by the County to the Ferry District by November 1. The plan could include passenger-only ferry service to various parts of the county, including service to Vashon Island, the Eastside, and South Puget Sound. The Ferry District board will refine costs and schedules in anticipation of setting a rate later in the year sufficient to provide the services in the final adopted plan.
The Legislature in 2003 granted counties the authority to create local ferry districts that receive funding for operations through a property tax levy. The Council in April created a King County Ferry District that corresponds with the boundaries of King County, with members of the King County Council serving as its board of directors.
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