49 Local Elected Officials Sign On to Ferry Funding Letter

PSRC submitted a letter signed by 49 local elected officials to the State Legislature’s Transportation Committee in support of the ferry plans in Governor Ferguson’s draft budget. The Governor’s proposed budget would allocate $1.1 billion within the transportation budget to purchase three new hybrid-electric ferries and maintain and preserve the current fleet. The Governor’s proposal puts the state on a path to achieve its goal to acquire 13 new hybrid-electric ferries by 2040. 

Support Letter Text: 

Local Elected Official Ferry Support Letter to Transportation Committee Leaders Dear Chair Liias, Chair Fey, Ranking Member King and Ranking Member Barkis: 

We are local elected officials from ferry communities across the Puget Sound region writing in support of Governor Ferguson’s budget proposal for Washington State Ferries. 

We are grateful for the legislature’s continued investments in the ferry system and workforce during the 2025 legislative session, including funding to construct three new hybrid-electric ferries. Please ensure that ferry system investments remain a priority. 

Governor Ferguson’s budget offers a practical solution for investment in Washington State Ferries. It allocates $1.1 billion within the transportation budget, including $1 billion to purchase three new hybrid-electric ferries and $150 million to maintain and preserve the current fleet. By using bond sales to finance major ferry investments, the state can move critical projects forward while managing costs over time. The Governor’s proposal puts the state on a path to achieve its goal to acquire 13 new hybrid-electric ferries by 2040. 

Right now, there are three ferries out of service for emergency repairs. This disruption in service caused by unmet critical repair needs highlights the fragility of the ferry system and underscores the need for sustained investment and a plan to continue replacing the aging fleet. The Governor’s proposed funding for maintenance and preservation will provide Washington State Ferries with the necessary support to keep the fleet of aging vessels in operation until new boats are in the water. We respectfully encourage you to move forward with Governor Ferguson’s proposal to invest in ferries. We are grateful for the work that has been done and the progress that has been made in strengthening this important transportation system. 

Sincerely,