WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Rep. Morris lauds newer, safer ferry M/V Samish as it takes its place in WSF fleet

His 12-year effort helped make three new 144-car ferries a reality

ANACORTES – M/V Samish, the state’s newest 144-vehicle ferry, will take its place in the Washington State Ferries fleet at a ceremony on Wed., May 20, at the Anacortes ferry landing.

Rep. Jeff Morris (D-Mt. Vernon) has been a driving force in advocating for funding on the Olympic Class ferries like the Samish.

“It’s been more than 12 years of advocating for new ferries, securing funding after passage of the $30 license tabs, and finding the right process to construct the vessels,” Morris said. “These new Olympic Class ferries are an important link to the San Juan Islands and Anacortes, not just for the people who live there, but for the tourism trade and commerce that keeps our small businesses and the island economy moving.”

Morris noted the new 144-car vessels also are important to the safety of the millions of people who use Washington state’s ferries each year. “These new ferries are replacing our oldest boats in the fleet – some that are 40- to 60-years old.”

“Each state transportation budget is different, and there are a lot of competing interests for funds,” Morris said. “We’ve been discussing the need and funding sources for two new larger ferries going back 12 years. In 2009 I was able to expedite construction of these ferries by two years, and in 2013 secured funding for a third Olympic Class vessel.”

Morris, who now chairs the Technology and Economic Development Committee, noted the ferries’ newer technology will also help save the state money in reduced fuel costs, and protect the environment by reducing carbon gas emissions.

M/V Samish is the second of three Olympic Class ferries, which will phase out the Evergreen State Class ferries built in the 1950’s. M/V Tokitae is already at work on the Mukilteo-Clinton route. Construction on the third Olympic Class ferry, M/V Chimacum, began in fall 2014 and is scheduled for completion early in 2017.

“It is really humbling to have worked so hard on an issue and then see it come to fruition,” Morris said. “I’m also pleased this ferry is named after the Samish Tribe, whose familiar territory is encompassed by the 40th District.” Morris’s Grandfather, Jinks Blackinton, was a Samish Tribal member who lived on Guemes Island.

The M/V Samish Christening and Open House will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wed., May 20, 2015, at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal. Washington State First Lady Trudee Inslee will christen the vessel at approximately 1:30 p.m.