We first told you two weeks ago that Fauntleroy Community Association leadership had announced Washington State Ferries officials will be in Fauntleroy January 21st for a hearing on the WSF draft long-range plan — which includes some major changes in direction for the West Seattle dock’s future, such as adding overhead passenger ramps and scrapping the idea of moving Southworth traffic to downtown. Today, WSF has issued the official news release announcing the plan and all hearings systemwide, so we wanted to make sure you saw that too:

WSDOT Ferries Division seeks comments on its draft long-range plan

SEATTLE – Today, Dec. 19, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Ferries Division (WSF) released its draft long-range plan for services and investments through 2030 for Washington’s marine transportation system.

“The draft plan comes a historic point in marine transportation,” said David Moseley, Ferries Division Assistant Secretary. “Demand for ferry service is projected to increase as population in ferry-served communities grows, but the system is constrained by tight financial resources, limited vehicle carrying capacities during peak periods, and aging vessels and terminals.”

The draft plan puts forward two options for consideration:

* Plan A. This option assumes that the State will continue in its
current role as owner, operator, and principal funder of ferry services
in the Puget Sound region. Current level of service remains with
operational strategies implemented over time and several new vessels
coming online. This plan contains a significant budget shortfall that
will require new revenues.

* Plan B. This option recognizes that the State may not be able
to provide new revenues to meet the evolving needs of all ferry
customers and communities, and looks at marine transportation very
differently. It proposes an alternative where the State takes
responsibility for the core marine highway system and a locally-funded
entity or entities would take responsibility for a new marine transit
system. This option also assumes operational strategies would be
implemented over time. It also contains a budget shortfall, but it is
significantly smaller than Plan A.

In January 2009, WSF will hold public hearings on the draft long-range
plan. The hearings are an opportunity for the public to learn more about
the two options for consideration and to provide feedback. Public
comments received will help inform the final plan, which will be
provided to the State Legislature on Jan. 31. The format for the
hearings is a 30-minute presentation followed by a 90-minute public
comment period.

“Public feedback is critical to the development of the long-range plan,”
said David Moseley. “This is the community’s opportunity to comment on
the draft plan which will guide services and investments for our state
marine transportation system over the next 22 years.”

The public hearing schedule is as follows:

* Monday, Jan. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. – Port Townsend/Keystone
Pope Marine Building, 100 Madison St., Port Townsend.
* Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6-8 p.m. – Clinton/Mukilteo
Useless Bay Golf Club, 5725 South Country Club Dr., Langley.
* Wednesday, Jan. 7, 6-8 p.m. – Vashon Island
McMurray Middle School, 9329 SW Cemetery Rd., Vashon Island.
* Thursday, Jan. 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Bremerton/Seattle
Kitsap Conference Center, Harborside, 100 Washington Ave.,
Bremerton.
* Monday, Jan. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Southworth
South Colby Elementary, 3281 Banner Rd. SE, Port Orchard.
* Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Bainbridge Island/Seattle
Bainbridge Island Commons, 402 Brien Dr., Bainbridge Island.
* Wednesday, Jan. 14, 6-8 p.m. – Kingston/Edmonds
Kingston Yacht Club, 25915 Washington Blvd., Kingston.
* Thursday, Jan. 15, 11:35 a.m.-3:30 p.m. – San Juan Islands
Aboard San Juan Inter-Island Ferry.
* Thursday, Jan. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Anacortes
Fidalgo Senior Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes.
* Wed., Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m. – Fauntleroy
Hall at Fauntleroy, 9131 California SW, Seattle.

There are many easy ways to obtain a copy of the draft plan:

* Attend a public hearing

* Online at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358

* Visit a local library

* Request a CD by calling 206-515-3411

How to comment on the draft long-range plan:

* Attend a public hearing

* E-mail wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov

* Write to Washington State Ferries, Attn. Joy Goldenberg, 2901 3rd Ave., Seattle, WA 98121

Background:
WSF has spent the past year working to address the long-term financial sustainability of the ferry system. This work stems from 2007 legislation (ESHB 2358). The legislation identified specific topics for study and required new levels of cooperation and collaboration between the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Transportation Commission and WSDOT.

For more information on the ferry financing legislated studies, visit
www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358