(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – One day after a major oversight in which the U.S. Department of Transportation failed to provide adequate stimulus funding to the nation’s largest ferry system, U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced that she has secured an additional $7.6 million for Washington state’s ferry docks and terminals from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.
Murray held the Secretary’s feet to the fire and demanded a review and explanation of the decision to shortchanged the nation’s largest ferry system. She received word from the Secretary’s office that it was an oversight and would be fixed thanks to her hard work.
“My message to the Transportation Secretary was clear: Washington state has the largest ferry system in the country and you need to fix this problem. He did and it’s a major win for our state and our economy.
“When you talk about economic recovery in Washington state you’re talking about ferries. They get people to work, keep businesses moving and keep our economy going.
“As a ferry rider and Senator representing the largest ferry system in the country, I know that Washington state’s ferries are also our highways. I will continue to work to educate Washington, D.C. about the importance of this critical transportation system.”
A breakdown of the ferry funding follows:
- Kitsap Transit: Seattle-Bremerton Passenger-Only Fast Ferry: Prototype Vessel Procurement – $2,596,000
- King County Ferry District Passenger-Only Ferry System Implementation Vessel Acquisition – $2,000,000
- Anacortes Ferry Terminal Replacement (WSDOT) – $3,000,000
- Skagit Guemes Island Ferry Construction of new ferry terminal with expanded customer service $750,000
Total: $8.346M
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