Just made public: The long-range plan for Washington State Ferries, which says the system is $3.3 billion short of what it needs for the next 22 years. Here’s the link; read on for the news release – we’ll be analyzing it for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ramifications:
Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division
(WSF) will purchase five new vessels over the next five years as part of
a long-range plan that will guide its services and investments through
2030.“After a lot of hard work by the Legislature, Gov. Gregoire and WSDOT,
we are finally at a place where we can look ahead to long-term,
sustainable service of our marine highways,” said Paula Hammond,
Washington Transportation Secretary. “This is good news for the
communities that depend on our marine transportation system, but also
for the entire state of Washington.”“The final long-range plan for the ferry system is the culmination of
the efforts of many people, including lawmakers, ferry served
communities, and WSDOT,” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “The
plan sets a path for WSF between now and 2030 with the first milestone
being construction of the 64-auto ferry.”The plan assumes that current levels of service remain as they are today
with minor improvements as new vessels are acquired to replace retiring
vessels. Other plan highlights include:* Purchase 10 new vessels to replace retired and retiring vessels
* Preserve and maintain existing terminals and vessels
* Investigate new technology for vehicle reservations systems at
Anacortes/Sidney B.C. and Port Townsend/Keystone, and to look at options
to incorporate reservations on other routes
* Make transit supportive investments at select terminalsThe plan identifies a net funding gap of $3.3 billion over the next 22
years with most of that deficit in the capital program. WSF will
continue to work with the Legislature to identify a sustainable funding
source for the ferry system.
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