Rolfes Bill Authorizes Passenger-Only Ferry Service to Kingston, Puget Sound

February 14, 2008

Olympia, WA – State Rep. Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Is.) continues her efforts to improve ferry operations, recognizing demand for increased transportation options in North Kitsap County and greater Puget Sound. 

Rolfes is the prime sponsor of HB 2730, a bill expanding the authority of port districts and enabling passenger-only ferry operations in Puget Sound, including the Port of Kingston and Port Townsend. 

“Our ferry system is in dire need of attention by the state, and focused action by this legislature,” cautioned Rep. Rolfes.  “We need to provide the public with transportation choices and a system that serves needs of our community into the future.”

Port districts are currently authorized to operate passenger carrying vessels on interstate rivers and intrastate waters of adjoining states.  HB 2730 specifically includes Puget Sound as an area in which port districts may operate ferries. 

The bill expands funding opportunities for the Port of Kingston by enabling ports to benefit from the passenger-only ferry grant program operated by the state and requires the state ferry system to collaborate with port districts for terminal operations.

“When this bill was heard in committee, many North Kitsap residents traveled to Olympia to testify in support,” said Rolfes.  “Port Townsend has also joined us in our efforts.  We can all benefit from this legislation and I will continue to advocate strongly for this service to be brought back to our community.”

HB 2730 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.