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Post by Kahloke on Apr 5, 2009 20:47:35 GMT -8
Here's a little excerpt from David Moseley's weekly Update (I get his weekly e-mail updates now, ever since attending the Bainbridge Ferry Town Hall back in January): Legislative Session Update The House released their proposed budget this week. It provides funding for the purchase of three 64-auto ferries to be delivered in 2010, 2011 and 2012; and begins construction of two 144-auto ferries in 2014, with delivery expected in 2016 and 2018. Similar to the Senate’s proposed budget, it focuses resources on vessel construction and begins funding for a vehicle reservations program. You can read the House budget online at leap.leg.wa.gov/leap/budget/detail/2009/ht0911p.asp. The House and Senate will work together next week on resolving the budget.So, it looks like we may be getting 3 Island Home vessels, and 2 144-car vessels, assuming this particular budget gets ratified, and then doesn't change over the next few years. I'm cautiously optmistic, leaning more towards "I'll believe it when I see it".
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Post by EGfleet on Apr 21, 2009 8:32:28 GMT -8
Talk about a bad day at work...
Body Found Near Colman Dock SEATTLE -- Police say a body found near the Seattle ferry terminal Monday morning was likely in the water for more than a day.
Officials said it was too early to know how the man died, and he has not been identified.
Washington State Ferries spokeswoman Susan Harris said an employee spotted the body about 8:30 a.m. under the pier at Colman Dock.
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Post by EGfleet on Apr 25, 2009 8:05:39 GMT -8
Transportation Budget Features Money to Build Four New Ferries By Ed Friedrich (Contact) Friday, April 24, 2009
OLYMPIA — Washington state, which christened its last ferry a decade ago, will build four new ones during the next four years.
The House and Senate agreed on a transportation budget Friday that provides $254 million over the next two biennia for ferry construction. The bill is expected to be formally approved on Saturday, said Rep. Larry Seaquist, D-Gig Harbor.
The first three new ferries will be 64-car boats. The fourth, depending on how much money remains, will carry either 64 or 144 vehicles. Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, said the House must convince the Senate it can afford a 144-car boat because a bigger backup is vital.
"The system needs two or three smaller boats, so I don't begrudge that, but the consensus in the House is we need a 144 sooner than later," she said.
Washington State Ferries director David Moseley agrees.
"That's clearly our preference, three Island Homes (64s) and two 144-car ferries," he said. "I'm hopeful and optimistic we can work toward that."
The first boat would be delivered in the summer of 2010, with one added each of the following three years, Rolfes said. At the earliest, a 144-car ferry would arrive in 2013.
It's written in the bill that the first two ferries will be assigned to the Port Townsend-Keystone route, which has been limited to one leased 50-car vessel since the Steel-Electric ferries were retired 1 1/2 years ago. Before that, it operated with two ferries from May to October.
The route, which is in Senate Transportation Committee chairwoman Mary Margaret Haugen's district, also will get two extra trips per day this summer, and Port Townsend and Coupeville will each receive $10,000 in mitigation expenses for marketing.
The ferry system won't cut any service, and fare increases will be capped at 2.5 percent per year. Money was provided to expand the marketing program and develop a reservation system.
"We definitely made some progress this session, but we still have a long way to go," said Moseley, noting that the system got direction on its operational strategy — reservations and transit enhancements — and fleet plan. Local lawmakers, with help of a strong citizen effort, gained support of legislators from non-ferry communities.
"We were able to agree that these are good jobs on the other side of the water and boats that this side of the water needs," Rolfes said. "This session I felt the support from other legislators to get these boats built, and that was due to the citizen lobbying effort."
One thing the ferry system didn't get was a sustainable funding plan, and citizens remain key to that effort, Moseley said.
Seaquist said the session was a step forward in keeping the ferries running, building new ones and recognizing the potential of the Citizens Write Plan C and Ferry Community Partnership groups. He was disappointed, however, that construction of 144-car boats is still "iffy," high cost estimates for new ferries weren't challenged, and a citizens group wasn't created to help the state set fares.
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Post by EGfleet on Apr 29, 2009 14:34:55 GMT -8
Legislators propose new federal ferry funds By AUBREY COHEN SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF
Washington would get tens of millions more dollars a year for its ferry system, under a new congressional proposal.
"It's not always easy convincing some of our colleagues here in Washington, D.C., of the importance of a robust ferry system," Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., said in a news conference with U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Lake Stevens, and Washington State Ferries chief David Moseley to announce the plan. "They understand investments in roads, highways, and in rail. But many don't realize that for many states, ferries are a crucial link in the transportation chain."
Moseley said nearly one quarter of the nation's 100 million ferry riders use Washington State Ferries, which is the nation's largest ferry system in all measures except route miles, where Alaska places first.
"The federal government has long seen the wisdom of providing financial support for our transportation system in terms of highways and bridges and rail and transit," he said. "Really, the ferry system is all of those things wrapped into one system."
Moseley also noted that four of Washington's 10 ferry routes serve U.S. Navy installations.
The new plan would increase federal transportation package funding for ferries from $67 million to $200 million a year from 2010 to 2015, with half the total distributed based the number of ferry users and route miles, and the rest through a competitive grant process.
The proposal would increase Washington's annual share of preset funding from $5 million to $40.7 million, not counting competitive grants.
The economic stimulus package Congress approved earlier this year allocates another $60 million for ferries. The U.S. Department of Transportation is setting up criteria for allocating that money.
The new measure has support from legislators in ferry-dependent states such as Alaska, North Carolina, New York and Connecticut, and boat-building states, such as Mississippi and Wisconsin, Larsen said. The goal is to make it part of the transportation reauthorization bill, which the House aims to vote on in July and the Senate will take up later this year or next.
Washington cannot use federal money for new ferry hulls because of its requirement that ferries be built in state. But the money could go to other systems for planned new ferries, overhauls such a planned $9 million renovation of the Hyak, and terminal improvements, such as a $26 million project in Anacortes and a $30-million plan for Mukilteo, Larsen said.
The measure also would, among other things:
Allow ferry systems to compete for funds through the federal Clean Fuels Grant Program; Set up a Ferry Joint Program Office in U.S. Department of Transportation to coordinate federal programs affecting ferries and promote ferries as a component of the nation's transportation system; Authorize funding for a college or university-based National Ferry Transportation Institute that would focus on improving ferry operations and safety.
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Post by EGfleet on May 23, 2009 6:17:52 GMT -8
Passenger Ferry Runs Aground Off Bainbridge
BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — The passenger ferry Skagit ran aground outside Eagle Harbor for about 45 minutes Friday until the tide came in and freed it, said Washington State Ferries spokesperson Marta Coursey. It was on its way to the Eagle Harbor maintenance yard, where it goes every day between its morning and evening shifts on the Vashon Island-Seattle route. Washington State Ferries operates the boat for the King County Ferry District.
The Skagit make a "soft" grounding and no damage was reported, Coursey said. It will be inspected at the maintenance facility and is expected to return for its next sailing — 4:45 p.m. from Seattle.
The Coast Guard said the Skagit ran into soft ground after taking the channel too close. It was trying to avoid the large car ferry Wenatchee. It was grounded for 33 minutes while crews re-floated it. There was no damage and no environmental impact.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on May 23, 2009 10:23:04 GMT -8
Passenger Ferry Runs Aground Off Bainbridge BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — The passenger ferry Skagit ran aground outside Eagle Harbor for about 45 minutes Friday until the tide came in and freed it, said Washington State Ferries spokesperson Marta Coursey. It was on its way to the Eagle Harbor maintenance yard, where it goes every day between its morning and evening shifts on the Vashon Island-Seattle route. Washington State Ferries operates the boat for the King County Ferry District. The Skagit make a "soft" grounding and no damage was reported, Coursey said. It will be inspected at the maintenance facility and is expected to return for its next sailing — 4:45 p.m. from Seattle. The Coast Guard said the Skagit ran into soft ground after taking the channel too close. It was trying to avoid the large car ferry Wenatchee. It was grounded for 33 minutes while crews re-floated it. There was no damage and no environmental impact. Do you remember the day the big WALLA WALLA ran aground? I do! It was a foggy morning and the Big W had commuters aboard heading to Seattle. For some reason, the ferry turned east a bit too soon. Instead of seeing commuters eating a routine breakfast and reading the morning newspaper, they found themselves to be front page news as the ferry ran aground on Tyee Shoal! It is normal to see ferries come and go from Eagle Harbor using a more southerly trek to a marker south of the shoal. The folks aboard the Big W donned flotation vests and boarded means of transfers to return to the dock. There would be a lot of tardy arrivals appearing on timesheets that day! The WALLA WALLA remained wallowed on the sand all day. A slow bell was ordered by Seattle VTS in the area. The ISSAQUAH and QUINAULT were pressed into service on the Seattle - Bainbridge run as substitutes. When the tide rose, the other ferries were seen using full speed when passing the stranded Big W. This was to help rock and roll the 440 foot Jumbo off the sand. At long last, in the early evening, the Big W was finally freed with an assist by a tug. After a short sea trial session, she returned to Eagle Harbor and her motorists retrieved their machines. Quite a memorable day here on Puget Sound. And, after hearing the VTS say to her navigator "HAVE A NICE EVENING, SIR", the reply was simply: "IT'S BOUND TO GET BETTER! IT'S BOUND TO GET BETTER! WALLA WALLA OUT!!"
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Post by EGfleet on May 23, 2009 11:57:16 GMT -8
Passenger Ferry Runs Aground Off Bainbridge BAINBRIDGE ISLAND — The passenger ferry Skagit ran aground outside Eagle Harbor for about 45 minutes Friday until the tide came in and freed it, said Washington State Ferries spokesperson Marta Coursey. It was on its way to the Eagle Harbor maintenance yard, where it goes every day between its morning and evening shifts on the Vashon Island-Seattle route. Washington State Ferries operates the boat for the King County Ferry District. The Skagit make a "soft" grounding and no damage was reported, Coursey said. It will be inspected at the maintenance facility and is expected to return for its next sailing — 4:45 p.m. from Seattle. The Coast Guard said the Skagit ran into soft ground after taking the channel too close. It was trying to avoid the large car ferry Wenatchee. It was grounded for 33 minutes while crews re-floated it. There was no damage and no environmental impact. Do you remember the day the big WALLA WALLA ran aground? I do! It was a foggy morning and the Big W had commuters aboard heading to Seattle. For some reason, the ferry turned east a bit too soon. Instead of seeing commuters eating a routine breakfast and reading the morning newspaper, they found themselves to be front page news as the ferry ran aground on Tyee Shoal! It is normal to see ferries come and go from Eagle Harbor using a more southerly trek to a marker south of the shoal. The folks aboard the Big W donned flotation vests and boarded means of transfers to return to the dock. There would be a lot of tardy arrivals appearing on timesheets that day! The WALLA WALLA remained wallowed on the sand all day. A slow bell was ordered by Seattle VTS in the area. The ISSAQUAH and QUINAULT were pressed into service on the Seattle - Bainbridge run as substitutes. When the tide rose, the other ferries were seen using full speed when passing the stranded Big W. This was to help rock and roll the 440 foot Jumbo off the sand. At long last, in the early evening, the Big W was finally freed with an assist by a tug. After a short sea trial session, she returned to Eagle Harbor and her motorists retrieved their machines. Quite a memorable day here on Puget Sound. And, after hearing the VTS say to her navigator "HAVE A NICE EVENING, SIR", the reply was simply: "IT'S BOUND TO GET BETTER! IT'S BOUND TO GET BETTER! WALLA WALLA OUT!!" They were incredibly lucky she went aground where she did. I still have the newspaper articles on it and had she hit on a slightly rockier ground, she would have rolled over and been a total loss.
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Post by Barnacle on May 24, 2009 19:10:11 GMT -8
Do you remember the day the big WALLA WALLA ran aground? I do! It was a foggy morning and the Big W had commuters aboard heading to Seattle. For some reason, the ferry turned east a bit too soon... From what I understand, it actually turned south too late. But it's all hearsay, and the captain in question has since passed away.
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Post by SS San Mateo on May 29, 2009 5:51:06 GMT -8
Two ferry workers sue, say work ruined their hearingwww.seattlepi.com/local/406662_ferries29.htmlBy VANESSA HO SEATTLEPI.COM STAFF Two longtime ferry workers have sued the state, alleging they were exposed to unsafe noise levels that led to hearing loss while working in the engine rooms of different vessels. George Greenwood, a chief engineer currently assigned to the Hyak, and Christopher Johnson, a relief chief engineer assigned to different ferries, have measurable hearing damage after working for Washington State Ferries for more than a decade, said their attorney, Rob Williamson. Williamson said the lawsuits, filed last month in King County Superior Court, are part of a larger pattern of complaints alleging work-related hearing damage among ferry workers. He said he has filed 180 such lawsuits since 1998 against the state Department of Transportation, which runs the ferries. While the state has improved its protection of workers' hearing, it hasn't been enough to protect everyone, Williamson said. "Even when you do all that you can, this is such a noisy environment that people can get hurt," he said. The workers most at risk are the engineers and oilers who work in the control and engine rooms. Williamson said the state begin mandating hearing exams for the workers several years ago, as a way to track hearing damage. He said officials have improved the type of protection for workers -- ear plugs and muffs -- and now require them to wear the protection in certain places. He also said the agency has installed quieter engines on newer vessels and retrofitted older ones with sound-proofing insulation, engine shields and vestibules. The agency's policy also requires it to regularly monitor noise levels for safety. Despite those improvements, Williamson said it's "inevitable" that some people will suffer hearing loss. He also said workers say some boats are louder than others, including the Hyak, a mid-sized ferry that is using engines from the Spokane, a jumbo jerry. "They were screaming loud," he said. Marta Coursey, a spokeswoman for the ferry system, said the agency has a comprehensive hearing-conservation program that employees are required to follow. "Employees have a clear role in observing safety rules and regulations in order to maintain their health and hearing," Coursey said in an e-mail. "(Washington State Ferries) upholds the highest standards of safety for our employees as well as our customers, and we have a longstanding history of ensuring that our engine room employees safeguard their health including their hearing," she wrote. Williamson said studies that look at noise levels and worker safety usually study thresholds for an eight-hour period. He said those studies shouldn't be applied to ferry workers, because they work 12-hour shifts. He also said lab settings differ from real work environments, because they don't account for individual use, such as someone wearing glasses, or getting jostled on a boat. "I'm personally not satisfied that we scientifically really know what's safe," he said. He said most of his 180 complaints against the state were filed in the late 1990s or early 2000s, which he said is a sign that conditions have improved in recent years. He said the state mostly settled those cases, paying a total of $3 to $4 million to injured workers.
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Post by Kahloke on May 29, 2009 11:32:21 GMT -8
Another interesting article. Barnacle, or EGFleet, do either of you have any insight to this, since it seems to directly affect your route? Ferry schedules to be dramatically different if USCG upholds its ruling By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Today, 11:53 AM · UPDATED
There's some new trouble brewing for the ferries – and this time it's not about finances.
In the past, the United States Coast Guard has waived its requirement for Washington State Ferries to schedule crew shifts of 12 hours or less in a 24-hour period.
Last August, following a grievance filed by several down sound union members over endurance and sleep issues, the USCG ruled that it would no longer grant a waiver. As a result, “touring watches” (back to back shifts with a sleep period in between) will no longer be possible.
What's the impact this will have on ferry riders? WSF has drafted new schedules to reflect the loss of crew members who can no longer work back to back shifts. The proposed fall schedule will impact San Juan Island the most, but Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw will feel the effects too.
WSF released its confidential draft 2009 fall schedule in January to the county council, and councilman Howie Rosenfeld says they have been trying to work with the ferries to come up with alternatives.
“We came up with some proposals, but we haven't been a part of the negotiations – it's been between the union and the ferries,” Rosenfeld said. “We're frustrated. And it's getting late.”
Ed Sutton, chair of the Ferry Advisory Committee, said WSF has been negotiating new work rules with the union that would allow for extra flexibility in scheduling shifts.
“But the union has wanted veto authority over the service schedules and it has resulted in an impasse with negotiations,” he said.
On June 10, there will be a meeting with representatives from WSF and the union to overcome that
stalemate.
“The proposed schedules from WSF for the islands to begin in the fall are not acceptable to the San Juan FAC,” Sutton said. “They represent a dramatic change to the manner in which we would conduct our lives regarding ferry travel.”
The county council presented a letter to the coast guard requesting that the elimination of touring watches be waived.
“There's ample evidence to indicate that things will be less safe without touring watches because we've got crews that will have to commute long distances to work on the boats,” Rosenfeld said. “Because of the long run to San Juan Island, the touring watches make more sense.”
Many of the ferry workers live as far away as Bellevue, and have relied on working extended hours.
The letter also states that the draft schedule eliminates mooring a mainland boat overnight in Friday Harbor, which is a “valuable asset in our community's planning.”
WSF is holding a series of community meetings across in June to answer questions and present information on its long-range plan, vehicle reservations, the tariff process, and more. Locally, the meetings will be on Thursday, June 11, aboard the inter-island ferry (departing Friday Harbor at 11:40 a.m., Orcas at 12:30 p.m., Shaw at 12:45 p.m., and Lopez at 1:05 p.m.) and in Anacortes at the Fidalgo Senior Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“We hope people will confront WSF during the public meeting,” Rosenfeld said. “I don't have much hope that they're going to waive it. But I wish they would, and we're trying. In the long-term, we could go to our federal representatives and try to apply some pressure.”www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/news/46480402.html
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Post by EGfleet on May 29, 2009 14:18:46 GMT -8
Another interesting article. Barnacle, or EGFleet, do either of you have any insight to this, since it seems to directly affect your route? Ferry schedules to be dramatically different if USCG upholds its ruling By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Today, 11:53 AM · UPDATED
There's some new trouble brewing for the ferries – and this time it's not about finances.
In the past, the United States Coast Guard has waived its requirement for Washington State Ferries to schedule crew shifts of 12 hours or less in a 24-hour period.
Last August, following a grievance filed by several down sound union members over endurance and sleep issues, the USCG ruled that it would no longer grant a waiver. As a result, “touring watches” (back to back shifts with a sleep period in between) will no longer be possible.
What's the impact this will have on ferry riders? WSF has drafted new schedules to reflect the loss of crew members who can no longer work back to back shifts. The proposed fall schedule will impact San Juan Island the most, but Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw will feel the effects too.
WSF released its confidential draft 2009 fall schedule in January to the county council, and councilman Howie Rosenfeld says they have been trying to work with the ferries to come up with alternatives.
“We came up with some proposals, but we haven't been a part of the negotiations – it's been between the union and the ferries,” Rosenfeld said. “We're frustrated. And it's getting late.”
Ed Sutton, chair of the Ferry Advisory Committee, said WSF has been negotiating new work rules with the union that would allow for extra flexibility in scheduling shifts.
“But the union has wanted veto authority over the service schedules and it has resulted in an impasse with negotiations,” he said.
On June 10, there will be a meeting with representatives from WSF and the union to overcome that
stalemate.
“The proposed schedules from WSF for the islands to begin in the fall are not acceptable to the San Juan FAC,” Sutton said. “They represent a dramatic change to the manner in which we would conduct our lives regarding ferry travel.”
The county council presented a letter to the coast guard requesting that the elimination of touring watches be waived.
“There's ample evidence to indicate that things will be less safe without touring watches because we've got crews that will have to commute long distances to work on the boats,” Rosenfeld said. “Because of the long run to San Juan Island, the touring watches make more sense.”
Many of the ferry workers live as far away as Bellevue, and have relied on working extended hours.
The letter also states that the draft schedule eliminates mooring a mainland boat overnight in Friday Harbor, which is a “valuable asset in our community's planning.”
WSF is holding a series of community meetings across in June to answer questions and present information on its long-range plan, vehicle reservations, the tariff process, and more. Locally, the meetings will be on Thursday, June 11, aboard the inter-island ferry (departing Friday Harbor at 11:40 a.m., Orcas at 12:30 p.m., Shaw at 12:45 p.m., and Lopez at 1:05 p.m.) and in Anacortes at the Fidalgo Senior Center from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
“We hope people will confront WSF during the public meeting,” Rosenfeld said. “I don't have much hope that they're going to waive it. But I wish they would, and we're trying. In the long-term, we could go to our federal representatives and try to apply some pressure.”www.pnwlocalnews.com/sanjuans/isj/news/46480402.htmlI'll let Barnacle respond in more depth, however I can say... No amount of pleading from the San Juan FAC is going to change a thing--the Coast Guard has spoken. The draft plan from January has been revised significantly in the interim. The original plan not to have the inter-island tied up at Friday Harbor has been dropped. The idea that WSF was going to somehow eliminate the early morning run out of the harbor is just idiotic. Don't forget that their is no "mainland" boat tied up in the harbor during the summer anyway. The comments about the union are exaggerated and not entirely true. (Big surprise, coming from SJI FAC.) And of course the biggest thing is there can't be reduction in service without prior approval from the legislature--something that did not happen during this last session, to my knowledge anyway. Much ado over nothing.
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Post by SS San Mateo on Jun 2, 2009 11:37:48 GMT -8
Developer lays out plans to restore Quincy Street dock in downtown Port Townsendwww.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20090531/news/305319991By Jeff Chew Peninsula Daily News PORT TOWNSEND -- A developer wants to restore the Quincy Street dock and add float docks to the historic waterfront structure once used by state ferries. The three Port of Port Townsend commissioners gave Kevin Harris their unanimous blessing last week, and asked to see detailed engineering plans as soon as possible. "I like the idea," said port Commissioner Dave Thompson. "If the engineers can put together something that would work, that would be a delightful addition to the waterfront." Harris expects the Quincy dock restoration and float-dock engineering design to be finished in the next two weeks, and to present the design to the port staff and commissioners some time in June. Project cost estimates ranged between $500,000 and more than $1.5 million, said the Seattle software developer who lives in Port Townsend, but nothing is firm until engineering estimates are made. Harris owns the Port of Port Townsend lease to the dock, which was condemned 10 years ago. He also owns the restored 1885 cannery building next to the dock, which he wants to convert from residential condominiums to a luxury hotel. The dock's pilings are rotting and must be replaced. The horizontal steel beams that support the old dock are corroded and also need replacement. Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said that the condition of the Quincy Dock has only worsened since it was condemned 10 years ago. Harris envisions float docks extending out about 40 feet from the restored Quincy dock. Besides a landing tie-up dock for a Kenmore Air seaplane, the docks would be designed to accommodate up to five vessels, and be large enough to handle a cruise ship, tall ship or other large vessel moorage. "It's probably going to take a year to get past the permit process," said Harris. He anticipates about 18 months from the beginning to end of his project. "This will bring more boats to town, and those who need more top-of-the-line hotel units," Harris said. "I think it will be a great attraction to downtown." Maintain historic look Harris said he hopes to maintain the historic look and feel of the Quincy dock, removing and storing the float docks during bad-weather months. "I hope the wing walls stay," he said of the A-frame ferry land structure that still can be seen at the water's end of Quincy Street. "It adds so much character to this end of town," he added. Harris is finishing work on four rooms and is framing a fifth room at the brick cannery building adjacent to Quincy Dock. Forms are in place for a connecting waterfront deck. The boutique rooms of the building, which once housed the Guilford Packing Company, are being finished with artwork by local artisans and craftsmen using materials reclaimed from the original structure. Harris envisions yacht owners tying up at the float docks to stay at his hotel, and he believes Seattle visitors would be tempted by the prospect of a 20-minute flight aboard a Kenmore Air 10-seat float plane from Elliott Bay to Port Townsend Bay. But first things first. Uncertainties Thompson, a longtime Port Townsend Boat Haven shipwright said that, even if the docks were removed in the winter months, the Quincy land was known for its uncertain nature. "When the ferry used to land there, there could be four- to five-foot swells," he recalled, adding that the ferry would have some trouble navigating the landing dock when northwest winds unexpectedly blew through the downtown waterfront during the summer. Thompson said the city requires that the design must withstand 80 mph winds. Port Deputy Director Jim Pivarnik expressed concerns about where Harris' float docks would be stored in the winter. The port already stores float docks for the city and Northwest Maritime Center at the Boat Haven and there is no more room, he said. Hotel permit Rick Sepler, city director of Development Services, said the city is processing a state Environmental Policy Act addendum that he expects will be issued Wednesday, allowing Harris to convert his condominiums to a five-unit hotel. "He will have to do some transportation demand management planning because there is no parking there," Sepler said, adding that the city still wants Harris to specifically describe the cannery buildings use. The city and port are also in the process of determining what part of Quincy Dock is owned by the city, Sepler said. "The challenge on that is, we don't have a pending application," Sepler said. "He's expressed the desire to refit the dock to put a float in for seaplanes, but we have yet to see a detailed application come in." Harris was one of the catalysts for encouraging Kenmore to fly into Jefferson County during the Hood Canal Bridge closure that began May 1. Harris said he has received comments from Kenmore Air on the proposed float-dock landing design. The project, said Harris, "would be a nice shot in the arm for the economy downtown."
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Post by EGfleet on Jun 2, 2009 17:00:11 GMT -8
Some interesting bits about the new boats I put in bold.
Ferries Haven't Been Given the Go-Ahead on Reservations
By Ed Friedrich (Contact) Originally published 10:53 a.m., June 2, 2009 Updated 10:53 a.m., June 2, 2009
BREMERTON — Washington State Ferries won't require riders to make vehicle reservations anytime soon.
Director David Moseley, acknowledging concerns that customers have voiced about having to call ahead, said Monday night during a meeting in Bremerton that the 2009 Legislature did not provide the money or authority to set up a reservation system. Lawmakers, however, did ask the ferry system to complete a pre-design report by Nov. 1 on what such a system would entail and to start a pilot program on one route by 2011.
That route will be Edmonds-Kingston because it presents several characteristics that need to be addressed. It carries more cars than any other route, moves a large number of commercial vehicles and includes a growing number of commuters.
Operations manager Doug Schlief, who commutes from Port Orchard, is leading the project team. One of his tasks will be to set up a community partnership with Edmonds and Kingston to work through how the system will work.
A reservation system appeals to the ferry system and the Legislature because it would allow them to make the best use of existing facilities. Sometimes cars stack up along the highway for hours waiting to get on a boat. To expand holding areas for them would cost $280 million, Moseley said. If drivers had a space guaranteed for a certain sailing, they wouldn't need to show up early and wait in line. Moseley said he doesn't anticipate charging a fee to make a reservation, but a deposit would be required that would be part of the ticket price.
Moseley said he has contacted about a dozen ferry systems throughout the world about their reservations issues and was told the main reason they require them is for customer convenience. They provide certainty for travelers.
Ferry officials also spoke Monday about the direction given them by the 2009 Legislature, the fare-setting process and their long-range plan.
Fares will go up for the first time since May 2007 on Oct. 11. WSF's only role now is to make a proposal to the state Transportation Commission in mid-July. Following direction from the governor and Legislature, it will recommend a 2.5 percent across-the-board increase. The Transportation Commission can accept or change the proposal, and it has assumed the responsibility from WSF to conduct public hearings in August.
The Legislature in April provided funding to maintain the existing level of service for all routes and to build two new 64-car ferries besides the one that's already in the pipeline. Its budget plan also would pay for two 144-car ferries, but the money hasn't been appropriated. The first 144-car ferry would go to the Mukilteo-Clinton route, in 2013, the second to Bremerton, replacing the 124-car Kitsap. If there's not enough money to build a second 144-car ferry, a fourth 64-car boat would be constructed.
Five new ferries would allow the 87-car Evergreen State, the 60-car Rhododendron and 34-car Hiyu to be retired. An 87-car ferry would replace the Hiyu as the backup boat.
"We will not have reliable service until we build all five of the boats," Moseley said.
WSF's long-range plan calls for five more new boats from 2025 to 2030 to replace the 87-car Tillikum and Klahowya and the 144-car Elwha, Kaleetan and Yakima. The 144-car Hyak will be renovated in 2011.
The Legislature also directed the ferry system to explore opportunities to improve service at Bremerton and report its findings, and the cost, at the 2010 session.
The Legislature's 16-year financial plan comes up $127 million short of covering ferry operations, and there's a $936 million gap in capital spending. WSF's long-range plan extends 22 years, to 2030, and includes five new ferries that aren't in the Legislature's plan, pushing the funding gap to about $3 billion.
The final long-range plan will be available on June 30.
The goal before the next budget comes out for the 2011-13 biennium is to find a sustainable funding source.
"We have to keep our eye on the prize, and that is the prize in the 2011 session, a sustainable funding source," Moseley said. It's clear that the Legislature knows it needs to be addressed, he said.
Brenden Clarke, DOT's project engineer for the Bremerton tunnel, attended the meeting and explained the recent change to require all cars getting off the ferry to go through the tunnel and not be allowed to turn right onto Washington Avenue.
He said that even though turning right on Park Avenue skirting the downtown area is more circuitous, it will probably be faster because cars won't have to wait at all of the traffic signals and crosswalks, and that the roads can handle the traffic. With all the new development downtown, and more planned, bringing more pedestrians, DOT wanted to lessen the chance of vehicle-pedestrian accidents, he said.
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Post by SS Shasta on Jun 3, 2009 9:04:55 GMT -8
Is this another example of "wishful thinking?" Where is Washington State going to find the money for all of this? I believe that Federal funding is still off limits for new vessel construction because such construction is limited to Washington State yards.
Federal money seems to be available for current upgrades to MV Spokane and MV Evergreen State. Could it be also used to upgrade/repair the three Supers listed for retirement?
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Post by EGfleet on Jun 3, 2009 17:14:09 GMT -8
Is this another example of "wishful thinking?" Where is Washington State going to find the money for all of this? I believe that Federal funding is still off limits for new vessel construction because such construction is limited to Washington State yards. Federal money seems to be available for current upgrades to MV Spokane and MV Evergreen State. Could it be also used to upgrade/repair the three Supers listed for retirement? Let's see, but 2025 when the Elwha is due to be retired, she'll be 58 years old. That's too old to be upgrading or repairing. As for where is the money going to come from...well, they have what... 16 years to figure it out. Forgive me for not wringing my hands and clutching the pearls at this point in time.
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Post by Barnacle on Jun 3, 2009 17:20:33 GMT -8
Federal money seems to be available for current upgrades to MV Spokane and MV Evergreen State. Could it be also used to upgrade/repair the three Supers listed for retirement? Why on Your Choice Of Creator's Green Earth would we want to throw money into boats that will be, by then, nearly sixty years old? We went down that road with the "beloved" Steel Electrics and look at the mess we're in now. Thank you, no. I think the Supers will make sixty years of age, but only if someone gets out and pushes for the last eighteen months.
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Post by Kahloke on Jun 3, 2009 17:53:09 GMT -8
Hyak could end up being the nicest Super after her refit in 2011, especially if they update her cabin like they did with Kaleetan and Yakima. Elwha really should be moved down Sound, and then put on reserve status at the earliest oppourtunity, which most likely wouldn't be until after a couple of new 144's are built.
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Post by SS Shasta on Jun 3, 2009 19:39:56 GMT -8
Why on Your Choice Of Creator's Green Earth would we want to throw money into boats that will be, by then, nearly sixty years old? We went down that road with the "beloved" Steel Electrics and look at the mess we're in now. Thank you, no. I think the Supers will make sixty years of age, but only if someone gets out and pushes for the last eighteen months. What I am trying to say is that this "Washington Build Only" provision should be eliminated before any major new construction begins. Then Federal money might also be available for new construction. Washington's Senators seem to be in a good position to make this happen. Could Washington yards still have some sort of bid advantage? The Supers were built in San Diego (I think??). Anyway it seems like the public and the State might get a better bid if more competition is allowed.
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Post by Barnacle on Jun 4, 2009 7:31:13 GMT -8
Ah. See, what you actually asked was whether federal money could be used to upgrade or repair the three Supers that are listed for retirement. I, in turn, countered with the belief that adding another MLU to a sixty-year-old boat was a complete waste of money. Ships are not like wine. They don't improve with age. ;D
As for the Build Them In Washington law... sigh. I'd love to see the jobs stay in Washington State, but I agree that the law severely hamstrings WSF--especially when most of the viable construction yards have formed a "consortium" that needs only the participation of Dakota Creek Industries to make it a monopoly. (Here's to Dakota Creek for not.)
I would like to see, as you propose, some sort of handicap for the local yards--say, 5 or 10 percent--to compensate for the cost of not having to bring the boats up the coast/through the Panama Canal/whatever.
And yes, the Supers were built in San Diego. Good boats, for the most part, except in the warm weather world of San Diego, the heat system design turned out to be a little inadequate for this region and I wonder if their construction location didn't have something to do with it. And, though this isn't NASSCO's fault, they are a trifle narrow on the beam, especially when you're trying to load two full-sized vehicles side by side.
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FNS
Voyager
The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
Posts: 4,948
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Post by FNS on Jun 4, 2009 7:58:38 GMT -8
This sign shows the big headline of the day!
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Post by Barnacle on Jun 4, 2009 9:57:13 GMT -8
I have to state up front that the opinions contained within do not represent those of Washington State Ferries, any Union involved in negotiations, the San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee, or anybody else at all. They're just one person's opinion and should not be taken as a statement of any greater importance than coffee chat from one person.Another interesting article. Barnacle, or EGFleet, do either of you have any insight to this, since it seems to directly affect your route? Ferry schedules to be dramatically different if USCG upholds its ruling By COLLEEN ARMSTRONG Islands Sounder Web site editor, Editor Today, 11:53 AM · UPDATED
There's some new trouble brewing for the ferries – and this time it's not about finances.
In the past, the United States Coast Guard has waived its requirement for Washington State Ferries to schedule crew shifts of 12 hours or less in a 24-hour period.
Last August, following a grievance filed by several down sound union members over endurance and sleep issues, the USCG ruled that it would no longer grant a waiver. As a result, “touring watches” (back to back shifts with a sleep period in between) will no longer be possible.
What's the impact this will have on ferry riders? WSF has drafted new schedules to reflect the loss of crew members who can no longer work back to back shifts. The proposed fall schedule will impact San Juan Island the most, but Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw will feel the effects too.There will be a realignment of personnel when this happens, but not a big deal. Some people will leave the run; others will come to the run. Not very confidential, then, is it? That's because they want us to take seven-hour shifts, in violation of the contract language establishing the eight-hour day as the standard. See above remark about seven-hour shifts. That would result in either a loss of income or a loss of free days to attain the full 40 hours needed to keep a family going. Not the schedules I've seen... the ones I've seen actually represent an improvement to the sailing schedule, and the best one I saw averages a sailing FROM anywhere in the San Juans, TO anywhere in the San Juans, about every three hours. Usually less, actually, but there's some mid-day gaps--just like now--where it's longer. No can do. First, the USCG has spoken, and that's that. We have zero leverage with the Coast Guard after the Steel-Electric debacle, IMHO. Second, no special treatment for the San Juan runs, or there will be all kinds of trouble everywhere else in the fleet that got the touring watches taken away. Not MANY, SOME. And they have to drive past as many as FOUR other ferry routes to get to Anacortes. You mean like the mainland boat that isn't moored in Friday Harbor overnight in the summer? It leaves Anacortes at 4:30 AM and arrives at FH at 5:35, plenty of time to make the regular 6:00 AM sailing from FH. [/i][/quote] This is much ado about nothing. At least one schedule I've seen is pretty good, and actually IMPROVES service to the islands. Plus the employee shifts aren't terribly heinous either.
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Post by Kahloke on Jun 4, 2009 11:09:13 GMT -8
Thanks for your comments, Barnacle. It kind of sounds like that article is typical media exaggeration. Now you've got me curious about what the fall schedule will look like. I'm glad there's going to be a change where that is concerned. The current fall & spring schedules were written when Elwha was the #1 boat. With the smaller Chelan as the #1 boat now, it makes sense to have a different schedule.
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Post by Barnacle on Jun 4, 2009 12:23:35 GMT -8
I think that part of the plan would be to return a Super to that 0600 sailing out of Friday Harbor. I know the natives would be delighted by it; and since it's the first sailing of the day off SJI, it makes sense to have the largest vessel available making it.
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Post by BreannaF on Jun 10, 2009 11:34:14 GMT -8
Today's Seattle Times online reports: Man overboard from ferry was actually a log A search and rescue mission in Seattle's Elliott Bay this morning on a report of a man overboard from a state ferry was called off after authorities found all passengers were safely accounted for on the vessel.
By Seattle Times staffA search and rescue mission in Seattle's Elliott Bay this morning on a report of a man overboard from a state ferry was called off after authorities found all passengers were safely accounted for on the vessel. Now, authorities think the apparent body reported seen bobbing in the bay was actually just debris. "What was seen in the water appeared to be log with a balloon attached to it," said Petty Officer Colin White, spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard in Seattle. Shortly after 8:30 a.m., ferry passengers on the M.V. Wenatchee reported seeing a man in the water, White said. Ferry personnel for the 7:55 a.m. run between Bainbridge Island to Seattle initially believed a passenger had fallen off the vessel. The ferry's alarms sounded, and a rescue operation ensued. Soon, Coast Guard search and rescue teams were called to the scene, White said. While Coast Guard boats searched Puget Sound, ferry personnel conducted a head count of passengers, finally determining all was well. "Everybody was accounted for," White said. The search team later found the log and balloon floating in the water near where the fallen passenger report was made, White said. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- So...... how would they know that everyone was accounted for on that run??
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Post by EGfleet on Jun 10, 2009 14:27:20 GMT -8
Fate of Ferry Weather service touches nerve with boaters
By TAD SOOTER Bainbridge Island Review Reporter Today, 2:36 PM · UPDATED
How do you get real-time weather information from the middle of Puget Sound?
Try checking in with a weather station onboard a Washington State ferry.
Unbeknownst to most riders, five Washington State Ferries carry weather modules, which radio transmit real-time weather conditions as ferries crisscross the Sound. Data from the modules is uploaded to a "Ferry Weather website operated by the University of Washington.
But the decade-old Ferry Weather service is scheduled to terminate on June 30.
MeteorComm, the company WSF has contracted to provide the service, is leaving the business at the end of this month.
News of the fate of Ferry Weather has struck a nerve with boaters, who often rely on the service to know how the wind is blowing on the Sound before leaving port. This month they have flooded in the e-mail inbox of WSF Chief David Moseley, and several attended a community meeting hosted by WSF on Bainbridge Tuesday evening to support the service.
Bob Schoonmaker, owner of the Chandlery, a Bainbridge boating supply and rental shop, told Moseley he, and many other sailors, depend on Ferry Weather.
"There are a lot of folks who use this site that you haven't heard from," Schoonmaker said. "They come into my shop and I look it up for them so I can send them out with the right sails and things they need. So there's also a safety issue."
Moseley said WSF staff is looking for ways to keeping Ferry Weather online. The agency would need to find a new partner to fill the role of MeteorComm. WSF staff are talking with UW about ways to keep the wireless system afloat, WSF spokesperson Joy Goldenberg said.
There are also costs to be factored in for the cash-strapped agency. WSF has been paying MeteorComm a fee for the service and weather modules would have to be replaced at a cost of roughly $2,000 a piece. While WSF has utilized the weather data in the past, "at this point it's really just a public service," Goldenberg said.
But Moseley said demand for the service has been heard "loud and clear."
"It's an issue we're working on," Moseley said. "We hope to find a solution and I believe a solution is out there."
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