Washington State Department of Transportation Ferries Division (WSF) will purchase five new vessels over the next five years as part of a long-range plan that will guide its services and investments through 2030.

View the long-range plan here.

“After a lot of hard work by the Legislature, Gov. Gregoire and (state transportation department), we are finally at a place where we can look ahead to long-term, sustainable service of our marine highways,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “This is good news for the communities that depend on our marine transportation system, but also for the entire state of Washington.”

“The final long-range plan for the ferry system is the culmination of the efforts of many people, including lawmakers, ferry served communities, and (state transportation department),” said Assistant Secretary David Moseley. “The plan sets a path for WSF between now and 2030 with the first milestone being construction of the 64-auto ferry.”

The plan assumes that current levels of service remain as they are today with minor improvements as new vessels are acquired to replace retiring vessels. Other plan highlights include:

Purchase 10 new vessels to replace retired and retiring vessels.

Preserve and maintain existing terminals and vessels.

Investigate new technology for vehicle reservations systems at Anacortes/Sidney B.C. and Port Townsend/Keystone, and to look at options to incorporate reservations on other routes.

Make transit supportive investments at select terminals.

The plan identifies a net funding gap of $3.3 billion over the next 22 years with most of that deficit in the capital program. WSF will continue to work with the Legislature to identify a sustainable funding source for the ferry system.