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Smith votes for ferry funding in transportation
budget
More work
ahead to ensure ferry route is fully restored
The transportation budget
that passed the House of Representatives today included $85 million to
build ferries to restore the Keystone-Port Townsend route.
Rep. Norma Smith voted in
support of the budget.
"I'm pleased to see
forward progress on restoring our ferry service on the Keystone to Port Townsend route. The allocation of these funds will start the process of
putting forward a short-term solution that will work for our citizens,
businesses and naval personnel," said Smith, R-Clinton. "This will give
us time to focus on the larger goal of bringing communities and
stakeholders together with experts to ensure the right boat is built
that has all the safety and capacity features that fit our needs."
Crews from Washington
State Ferries have been on the East Coast investigating a vessel that
may better meet the needs of local communities and be more appropriate
for the difficult passage. Their findings will be presented to the
Legislature shortly.
The cost for the
Keystone-Port Townsend ferries is estimated at $85 million. The budget
also included $283.2 million to build up to three 144-car ferries. The
Washington State Ferries will save $4.9 million due to staffing changes,
which could be put toward restoring ferry shortfalls.
Smith said she's heard for
years from vessel staff that ferry administration is top-heavy. "I'm
glad to see we're addressing the issue and putting more funds where it
matters most -- safe vessels," she said.
"We have big decisions
ahead of us. With a little savings to put toward our needs, we'll have
to sit down and look at the vessels, talk to stakeholders and decide
what will best meet our needs," said Smith. "Roadways around the state
are receiving dollars, but making sure everyone understands that our
ferries are as important to our region as the 520 Bridge is to King
County will go a long way to ensuring timely and necessary improvements
to all our state's highways."
The budget will now head
to the Senate for consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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