State Rep. Jeff Morris to meet with
Sidney mayor, hash out ferry compromise

February 12, 2009

OLYMPIA – State Rep. Jeff Morris, D – Mount Vernon, will head to Sidney, B.C., tomorrow in an effort to implore city officials there to approve a compromise deal with Washington State Ferries (WSF) over current lease rates at their terminal.
The high lease rate at the Sidney ferry terminal is a major factor in WSF’s decision to propose the elimination of the Anacortes-Sidney run. Morris believes an agreement with Sidney officials would go a long way in showing a good faith effort to reach an agreement and save the run. “I know Sidney was frustrated with WSF in getting a lease deal done but the current deal is just not going to work if we want to continue this run.”
In order to save the Anacortes-Sidney run, Morris will be fighting the battle on two fronts: Negotiating a more equitable lease rate with the Sidney city government, and fighting back WSF’s proposal to eliminate the run as a cost-cutting effort.
In an effort to save transportation revenue Governor Gregoire and WSF seek to reduce ferry service, including the elimination of the Anacortes-Sidney route and one vessel in the San Juan domestic route. The elimination would result in the loss of two sailings in the San Juans during the Fall through Spring schedule, and the loss of one round trip during the summer.
Morris disputes the savings WSF would realize, citing the “bigger picture” economic benefits of the run:

• As of 2006, approximately 131,600 passengers rode the Anacortes to Sidney B. C. ferry. Excluding the 17% of riders within the inter-islands, fully 83% traveled the full distance between Anacortes and Sidney.
• Approximately 1,470 jobs with over $30 million in annual payroll and nearly $126 million in annual spending are directly and indirectly associated with this ferry service for the Northern Puget Sound Region – of Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom Counties.
• The State of Washington receives $4.6 million a year in taxes related to the Anacortes-Sidney B.C. ferry. Local jurisdictions collect $1.3 million in tax receipts each year. Approximately $45 in state and local taxes is generated in the Northern Puget Sound region for every Anacortes-Sidney B.C. ferry rider.
Added Morris, “I’m hopeful the Mayor and city officials of Sidney will be receptive to revisiting the lease deal and work with us to save a vital link between our two countries. We need actual evidence of a partnership. Talk will not secure a future for this run.”