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Full steam ahead for ferry procurement bill
Restoring
reliable, safe service to Port Townsend-Keystone run is top priority
Legislation to procure
three ferries to restore service to the Port Townsend-Keystone run was
approved by the House of Representatives today.
Rep. Norma Smith voted in
support of the legislation, which passed 80-17.
Senate Bill 6794, now awaiting the governor's signature, would
require the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to construct new vessels to replace the four
Steel Electric vessels taken out of service last November due to safety
concerns. The bill would require that all the vessels be constructed in
Washington. The department expects to solicit bids for the new ferries
on Feb. 15.
"The Port Townsend to
Keystone ferry route is an important link for citizens, businesses,
tourism and our naval bases around the region," said Smith, R-Clinton.
"There are a lot of moving parts, including the bridge and traffic from
the 2010 Olympics, making it urgent that we address how residents and
visitors get to and from Port Townsend and Whidbey Island."
Smith again offered an amendment to the bill
on the House floor, specifically
requiring the new ferries to meet or exceed 2006 service levels on the
Port Townsend-Keystone route.
"I believe my amendment
would have gone a long way to restoring trust in our transportation
leadership," said Smith. "That said, I'm looking forward to the next
phase of this discussion that will center around boat size, safety
features and how to best restore reliable service that meets the needs
of citizens in the long-term."
Legislators,
transportation experts and media were invited to participate in a test
run of the Steilacoom II that ran from Port Townsend to Keystone
Feb. 8. Smith, who was on the boat, believes that a larger, sturdier
boat must be built for the run.
"I understand we need a
short-term solution now, but we must stay focused on safety, reliability
and capacity," concluded Smith.
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Photo of Rep. Norma Smith and Secretary
of Transportation Paula Hammond is attached.
For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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