House moves recommendations bill for WA State Ferries

Seaquist and Rolfes want version of their 5-point plan on the books

March 6, 2008

OLYMPIA – House members on Wednesday moved their state ferry agenda forward, passing legislation to implement recommendations coming out of last year’s finance study.

Reps. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, and Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor, believe the legislation reinforces accountability measures they are already pursuing with the ferry system.

“This bill reflects our determination that positive change will come to the ferry system,” Rolfes said.  “There’s a lot going on, but this bill lays out what we expect from them—and they know we’ll be watching.”

“The heart of the issue is they do not have a rigorous fleet replacement plan,” Seaquist said.  “This bill insists that the ferry system have a timeline and plan to replace each one of the ferries now in service, and also what maintenance program will keep running ferries safely in the water until they are scheduled to retire.”

Senate Bill 6932 follows up on last year’s transportation budget and completion of a study in January.  It implements the second phase of recommendations offered by a Joint Transportation Committee.  The bill focuses on vessel replacement and preservation, long-term planning, and system accountability. 

The House’s five-point plan for the ferry system generally aims to control costs, overhaul management, focus on service and safety, build for the future (the right vessels and terminals), and accountability.

The House amended the bills, so it now goes back to the Senate to concur on the changes