1/31/2009 7:35:00 PM Ferry officials finalize draft long-range plan
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To obtain a copy of the revised plan or read the public comments submitted between Dec. 19, 2008 and Jan. 26, 2009, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.
The Keystone-Port Townsend ferry route would be reduced to single-vessel service under Plan B in the final draft long-range plan released by Washington State Ferries Jan. 31.
The plan, which will be presented to state lawmakers next week, also eliminates extra service on the Clinton-Mukilteo route during the peak summer travel season beginning in 2013.
Plan B also calls for the agency to build five new vessels rather than the 11 that would be built under Plan A. It also calls for improvements to local transit systems that would make it easier for walk-on passengers to travel to an from their destinations without a personal vehicle.
Under both Plan A and Plan B, the ferry reservation system would continue to operate with no extra fee.
To implement Plan B, Washington State Ferries would need an additional $1.3 billion in state funding compared with $3.3 billion for Plan A.
"The revised draft plan begins the policy discussion, and presents for the communities, the Legislature and the Governor scenarios that seek to balance achievable service goals and funding requirements," state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said in a press release. "We need to emerge from this legislative session with clear policy direction and a budget that sets a sustainable course for the future of the ferry system."
The revised draft plan updates a draft document released on Dec. 19, 2008 for public review and comment. WSF accepted comments on the draft through Monday, Jan. 26. During the 38-day comment period, WSF conducted a total of 10 public hearings in ferry-served communities to present the draft plan and to listen to public testimony. More than 1,300 individuals attended the public hearings, and hundreds in attendance testified. In addition, WSF received more than 800 written comments.
"I want to thank everyone who took the time to attend a public hearing or write us with their comments," said David Moseley, Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries. "We have reviewed all the comments and, where possible, made some modifications to the draft plan scenarios. We are eager to continue this discussion with the Legislature."
