Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds) issued the following statement after Gov. Bob Ferguson announced that Washington has selected Eastern Shipbuilding Group to construct new ferries.
“For too long, our Puget Sound communities have felt the strain of service disruptions caused by our aging ferry fleet. That’s why I support the governor’s decision to move forward with the lowest-cost bid for three new hybrid-electric ferries.
“The budget constraints we face — combined with rising construction costs driven by tariffs and inflation — mean we must make the most of every taxpayer dollar to deliver the ferries we urgently need. While this was the first bid for new ferries in years, it certainly won’t be the last. I’m confident Washington’s shipbuilders will have many more opportunities to compete for and win future contracts.”
