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The meeting included an in-depth discussion of local transportation alternatives, possible short-term solutions, and next steps for the 2025 legislative session.

SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. August 26, 2024 - On Saturday, August 24, representatives from San Juan County met with Governor Jay Inslee in Friday Harbor to share data, review ferry service challenges, and discuss possible next steps. The Governor initiated the productive, 30-minute meeting that included Council Chair Jane Fuller, Health & Community Services Transportation Voucher Program Coordinator Richard Uri, County Manager Jessica Hudson, and Ferry Advisory Committee Vice Chair Ken Burtness. Town Councilmember Richard Gefffen and staff from Inslee’s Office were also in attendance.

“I was pleased that the Governor reached out to us with the intention of hearing our stories, digesting our data, and helping us form next steps to address challenges posed by ferry service disruptions,” said Chair Fuller. “I’m grateful for his time, attention, and support.”

The meeting included an in-depth discussion of local transportation alternatives that have developed as a result of unstable WSF services. From The Community Water Taxi to unique uses of the Transportation Voucher Program, innovative solutions are being developed locally to subsidize State services. Governor Inslee affirmed it is ‘worth looking at’ short term solutions that may help with the current ferry situation in the islands.

During the meeting, Council Chair Fuller reviewed the three components of the County’s executive relief ask:

Interisland passenger only water taxi service $ 279,450.00
Anacortes / San Juan Islands passenger only ferry service $ 659,295.00
On-call essential/critical services barge transportation $ 56,925.00
The Governor reiterated the limitations on declaring a ‘state of emergency’ and allocating emergency funds that prevented the Office from fulfilling Council’s most recent request. He noted that he is willing to think broadly to find some options for short-term relief for the island routes.

The Governor is hopeful that some short-term relief will come via negotiations with the Marine Engineer Beneficial Association (MEBA) that are expected to conclude in September and may provide stability for staffing challenges. The Governor also reiterated his support for incorporating new electric ferries into the fleet, noting that procuring diesel vessels may add two years onto the current timeline.

County staff learned it is unlikely that the County would receive capital funds to support boat purchases until the State completes the two outstanding studies on ferry economic impacts and passenger only services. In the meantime, the County will work to develop a legislative ask for the 2025 legislative session.

“I left feeling optimistic,” said Chair Fuller. “I’m motivated to work with my seatmates on a compelling and achievable legislative ask that will help us better take care of ourselves in the event of future ferry service disruptions.”

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Read the Press Release on the County website