DAVE PAUL: Ferry update
State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor), sent out the following email on Tue., May 24, 2022.
Friends,
I am disappointed to learn that Washington State Ferries was not able to negotiate a fair price for the construction of five new hybrid-electric ferries. These ferries are critical to maintain existing ferry routes and provide residents throughout our community and region with reliable transportation to work, healthcare appointments, and educational opportunities. Washington State Ferries are also critical to local businesses, helping to bring supplies and visitors to our community.
As vice-chair of the Legislative Ferry Caucus, I’ve followed the negotiations between the prime contractor and Washington State Ferries closely, and I’ve remained frustrated with the lack of progress toward establishing a fair price. In addition, the prime contractor ignored the Legislature’s clear intention that ferries be built in the Puget Sound region. Despite repeated attempts to ensure the new ferries are built in Puget Sound, the prime contractor focused on keeping its corporate owners happy—and shifting ferry construction to its Columbia River facilities. This scheme not only drove up the cost of ferry construction, but it would have benefited Oregon workers instead of Washington taxpayers.
Instead, our state should focus its efforts on ensuring our state has a robust shipbuilding industry right here in Puget Sound. As we’ve seen in recent years, we should not rely on a single producer of any product. Rather, our state should be doing everything in its power to ensure local ship building companies in our region can compete together for state projects. That contributes to living-wage jobs and a diverse local economy—and it keeps local tax dollars right here in our community.
Now that Washington State Ferries has made the decision to end negotiations, we can shift our focus to local firms that will save taxpayer money and support local, living-wage jobs. I’ve been working closely with local shipbuilders like Nichols Brothers Boat Builders in Freeland, and I know they’re ready to participate in a fair bidding process. I encourage Washington State Ferries to move quickly with this process, so that we can rebuild our fleet with hybrid ferries. I’m excited that the next generation of Washington State Ferries can be built right here in the 10th District.
These new hybrid ferries will not only reduce pollution, but hybrid ferries will significantly reduce operating costs as they do not need to rely solely on diesel fuel. We’ve seen energy prices spike because of global conflicts, and it’s more important than ever that we transition off fossil fuels. As diesel prices have skyrocketed, we should focus on ways to save taxpayer dollars by reducing fuel costs—and hybrid ferries will do just that.
As always, it’s an honor to serve.
Sincerely,
Dave
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