Dear friends and neighbors,
The Senate passed our transportation budget proposal on Friday. Now budget writers in the House and Senate will negotiate the differences between the two proposals before the final version reaches the governor’s desk for his signature. I want to share what the Senate’s bipartisan transportation budget has in store for my personal #1 transportation priority: our ferry system.
The Senate’s proposal fulfills our commitment to build three new ferry vessels scheduled for delivery between 2030 and 2032. This gets us closer to a fully-operational fleet level of 26 boats (up from 21 today), which is the number that Washington State Ferries believes will give us reliable service: that means we will have 18 boats regularly on the water and eight on reserve or in the shop for maintenance. The proposal also directs an additional $31 million to fully fund the electrification of three terminals, ensuring our new hybrid-electric ferries can recharge at multiple terminals.
For the first time since 1999, we’re also committing to establishing a dedicated funding source for ferries. In last year’s budget, we authorized a 0.1% distribution of the state’s sales and use tax to go straight to the transportation budget. This year’s proposal dedicates a significant portion of that revenue to ferry operations and construction. This is critical for ensuring the long-term stability of our fleet as we work to strengthen and expand it.
We also increased the amount of money we dedicate to ferry and terminal preservation and maintenance. It’s no secret that many of our ferries are old. As they age, we have to ensure we’re dedicating enough funding to preserve and maintain them so we can maximize their lifespan.
Governor Bob Ferguson committed several times in Kitsap County that he would make regular ferry services a priority. I’m happy to see his focus on this critical issue for our region, and I’m grateful that the Senate budget proposal takes ferries seriously as the marine highways that they are.
An update on my bills
SB 5906: The SAFE Act to help keep ICE out of schools, daycares, hospitals and more without a warrant signed by a judge has passed the Senate and awaits consideration by the full House. Learn more.
HB 2532 to ban the retail sale of nitrous oxide, the dangerous inhalant (sometimes known as Galaxy Gas or whippets), has passed the House and awaits action on the Senate floor. I sponsored the Senate version of this bill. I am grateful to Rep. Joe Timmons (prime sponsor of the House bill) and the Suquamish Tribe and other tribal communities for their partnership on this. Learn more.
Please reach out with any questions as we finish our work!
Sincerely,
Drew Hansen
