SEATTLE — Thirty-eight elected leaders sent a letter to Congress requesting urgent funding "at the highest level possible" to help Washington State Ferries (WSF), which is operating with just over half the boats the agency needs to serve the region.
The agency received more than $140 million in federal grants over the last two years but will need more money and time to navigate its way through dual staffing and vessel availability crises. Lawmakers from seven counties, eight towns and two port commissions are hoping for additional funds for the 2025 fiscal year to help WSF get back to full service as quickly as possible.
"The Washington State Ferry system is in crisis," the letter reads.
Currently, 15 vessels are in operation, but 26 are needed for the agency to operate at full service on all routes. In a service contingency plan released in early January, WSF said it does not plan to return to full service until 2028 at the earliest, which is when the first new ferry vessels under construction are expected to be ready to sail.
In total, WSF has 21 boats available but assumes that a number will be out of commission at any given time due to planned or unplanned maintenance. The agency is currently operating on a reduced level of service with 15 boats and aiming to make 95% of planned sailings.
Canceled sailings and the more limited WSF schedule have taken a toll on those who live on islands and also on the Olympic Peninsula.
“Communities like mine depend on ferries to get to work, make it to medical appointments and see their loved ones," said City of Poulsbo Mayor Rebecca Erickson. "Continued federal partnership and investment is critical to getting our ferry system back to full service.”
Lawmakers asked for funding for three programs, the Passenger Ferry Grant Program, the Ferry Service for Rural Communities Program and the Electric or Low-Emitting Ferry Pilot Program.
"Action must be taken to preserve our marine highway system for our residents, businesses, and visitors," the letter reads. "Please ensure there funding for ferries and ferry communities are a priority in FY 2025 appropriations."
The signatories on the letter are listed below:
Counties
Island County
Commissioner Janet St. Clair
Kitsap County
Commissioner Charlotte Garrido
Commissioner Katie Walters
King County
Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda
Pierce County
Council Chair Ryan Mello
San Juan County
Council Chair Jane Fuller
Council Member Christine Minney
Council Member Cindy Wolf
Skagit County
Commissioner Lisa Janicki
Commissioner Peter Browning
Commissioner Ron Wesen
Snohomish County
Councilmember Megan Dunn
Cities
City of Anacortes
Mayor Matt Miller
Councilmember Carolyn Moulton
Councilmember Ryan Walters
City of Bainbridge Island
Mayor Joe Deets
Deputy Mayor Jon Quitslund
Councilmember Ashley Mathews
City of Bremerton
Mayor Greg Wheeler
Councilmember Denise Frey
Councilmember Jane Rebelowski
Councilmember Jeff Coughlin
Councilmember Anna Mockler
Councilmember Michael Goodnow
City of Des Moines
Mayor Traci Buxton
Town of Friday Harbor
Mayor Raymont Jackson
Councilmember Anna Maria de Freitas
Councilmember Richard Geffen
Councilmember Steve Hushebeck
Councilmember Barbara Starr
Councilmember Mason Turnage
City of Port Orchard
Mayor Rob Putaansuu
City of Poulsbo
Mayor Rebecca Erickson
Councilmember Gary McVey
City of Seattle
Councilmember Rob Saka
Ports
Port of Bremerton
Commissioner Cary Bozeman
Commissioner Axel Strakeljahn
Port of Silverdale
Commissioner Caleb Reese
