OLYMPIA—Washington is home to the second largest ferry system in the world and the largest system in the United States, yet riders have been plagued by cancelled sailings due to an overworked and overwhelmed ferry system.
Rep. Greg Nance (D-Kitsap), represents a district that relies heavily on ferry transportation for connection to the mainland with terminals in Kingston, Bainbridge, and Bremerton. Today the freshman legislator introduced House Bill 2492 to start fixing our ferry system.
The bill would establish the Washington State Ferries 75 commission to evaluate dedicated funding sources for sustained financial strength and reliable service. Preliminary findings would be due to the legislature by January 2025 with final recommendations submitted by June 1, 2026 (WSF’s 75th birthday). The WSF 75 commission would be composed of four legislators, four ferry riders, and representatives from labor, WSF, and the Governor’s office.
“We’ve chronically underfunded our system for decades,” said Rep. Nance. “An unreliable ferry service means folks miss work, miss school, miss medical appointments, miss rent. Neighbors are hurting so we need to work together to fix our ferries.”
The first statewide economic impact study of reduced ferry service is also mandated by the bill, with a report due to the governor’s office in September of this year.
“We’re missing out on federal funding because we don’t have the data and documentation to make our case to congress.” Rep. Nance said. “The statewide economic impact study is the first step to getting the federal funding we need to rebuild America’s largest ferry fleet and recruit a new generation of WSF crew.”
The bill has bipartisan support from members who represent districts with and without ferry service.