DAVE PAUL: Big Investments for Ferry Reliability

State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) set this email from his campaign account on Sat., Mar. 26, 2022.

Friends,

Like you, I’ve been very frustrated by ferry service over the last year. While the ferry system has faced challenges from all directions, our community depends on reliable ferry service for healthcare, jobs, and education. Here’s a quick update on my work to support ferry commuters and our community.

Clinton-Mukilteo Update

The Clinton/Mukilteo route is up next for full restoration of two-boat service. I asked ferry officials to visit the route with me to discuss the ferry restoration plan and thank ferry employees for their service. It was very helpful to hear directly from ferry staff to identify ways of improving ferry service for our community.

Session Recap

This session, I’ve worked directly with the Washington State Department of Transportation and with the Ferry Caucus to find innovative solutions to the challenges our ferry service faces. Our ferry system has been underfunded for decades, and I pushed hard for the state’s transportation budget to fully fund our ferry system.

The legislature has finally made significant investments for this component of our state transportation system.

Worker Recruitment, Training, and Retention

Like other agencies, our ferry system has seen a wave of retirements over the last two years—with many more employees eligible to retire soon. I’m pleased to report that the legislature provided significant funding for workforce development, recruitment, and retention of ferry staff.

I’m also especially proud to have secured $93,000 in the transportation budget for WSF to secure housing for new recruits and address up-front costs for potential recruits. Trainings take place in Seattle and Bremerton, and local recruits have traditionally paid for their own housing or commute for hours each day. This investment will allow recruits to stay at a community college while completing their training.

New Ferry Construction

The legislature invested a historic $1.1 billion in the building of four new vessels, ferry preservation and support, and ferry operating account support. The budget also includes funds to convert existing ferries to hybrid-electric vessels. These are the kinds of investments our ferry system needs in order to build back our fleet to 25 vessels.

Again, I know it’s been a challenging year for ferry commuters. I’ll continue to advocate for our community—and for a ferry system that works for all Washingtonians.

It’s an honor to serve you,

Dave

[Ed. Note: Donation link omitted]