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Bailey works to pass ferry
procurement bill
Critical Highway 20 link must be restored to serve
citizens, businesses
Procurement of three new
ferries to replace the Steel Electrics pulled off the Port
Townsend-Keystone run last November is one step closer to reality with
the passage of
Senate Bill 6794.
Rep.
Barbara Bailey supported the legislation, which passed off the
House floor 80-17.
“It may be difficult for
people who don’t live on islands and depend on ferry services as a way
of life to understand the urgency of this legislation,” said Bailey,
R-Oak Harbor. “But I’m pleased to see, by the overwhelming support
of the bill, that fellow legislators understand how dependent we are on
our water highways.”
Senate Bill 6794
would require the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)
to construct three new vessels to replace the four Steel Electrics taken
out of service due to safety concerns. The bill would require that all
the vessels be constructed in Washington state. WSDOT expects to solicit
bids for the new ferries Feb. 15.
Bailey offered an
amendment to the bill on the House floor to clarify that the boats
authorized to be built would serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route.
"Some people believe these
ferries are just little tourist boats that connect our communities, but
they are not. These are vital links in the economy of our whole
northwest region. Goods and services pass over this water highway on a
regular basis,” said Bailey. “My amendment made it clear that
restoring this economic link, our Highway 20, is the top priority.”
Bailey participated
in a test run of the Steilacoom II that ran from Port Townsend to
Keystone Feb. 8. Fellow legislators, WSDOT transportation experts and
other ferry officials were on-hand to review and discuss the vessel
options and viability in the weather and water conditions.
“Some fifteen thousand
trucks visit our Naval station on North Whidbey Island on a regular
basis,” said Bailey. “These trucks then take ferries to Bremerton
and other military installations. This is the first line of defense for
our state, and we need to ensure we’re serving them alongside our
citizens first.”
Senate Bill 6794
awaits the governor's signature.
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Editor's note: Photo of
Rep. Bailey aboard Steilacoom II
For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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