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Post by Kahloke on Jan 21, 2009 22:16:07 GMT -8
Let's not forget Anacortes. They've also been crying foul over losing the run. Maybe their mayor should pitch in some funds, too. Of course, it doesn't seem like Anacortes is going to lose that many tourist dollars if the Sidney run is terminated, certainly not as much as they claim. I mean, the bulk of traffic going through Anacortes has, and probably always will be, destined for the 4 ferry-served islands that represent the heart of the San Juan archipelago. I don't see that diminishing too much, unless WSF foolishly cuts back service on the San Juan ferry route, an option that is on the table, btw.
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Neil
Voyager 
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Post by Neil on Jan 21, 2009 22:31:06 GMT -8
Well, isn't that just deserts for Sidney! Looks good on them. WSF have been talking for years about cancelling the run due to lower than desired ridership. It's not part of their core business and one that I'm sure the State would look at first if they're trying to reduce costs. So, Sidney, instead of entering into fruitful discussions with the State about how they could all collectively increase ridership, gave the management of the terminal to a third party. This third party isn't going to manage the property for free. They would want to see a profit off it. So now their longtime tenant has said, "Well, this move to lease out the terminal and then sublet to us has tipped the lack of viability of the route over the edge". And Sidney is somehow surprised and dismayed by this? Give your heads a shake folks! From everything we've been told, the Sidney portion of the run lost money big time under the old arrangement, and loses even more now. If Washington adopts a 'Plan B' type proposal for ferry operations, which seems likely, it won't matter a fig if Sidney had offered free moorage and a welcoming dancing choir with free champagne and canapes for all arrivals. Current economic conditions probably trump any terminal arrangements that might have been made. |
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Jan 21, 2009 22:55:31 GMT -8
Let's not forget Anacortes. They've also been crying foul over losing the run. Maybe their mayor should pitch in some funds, too. Of course, it doesn't seem like Anacortes is going to lose that many tourist dollars if the Sidney run is terminated, certainly not as much as they claim. I mean, the bulk of traffic going through Anacortes has, and probably always will be, destined for the 4 ferry-served islands that represent the heart of the San Juan archipelago. I don't see that diminishing too much, unless WSF foolishly cuts back service on the San Juan ferry route, an option that is on the table, btw. If it is losing money, it needs to go. If they do not want to fork over extra dollars, the run needs to go. People want accountability with the ferries and not money wasting that the state has been god at. I think it will be best in the long term to cut the Sidney run to reduce costs and free up a vessel since the Sidney run is not very successful. |
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Post by EGfleet on Jan 22, 2009 9:00:06 GMT -8
Let's not forget Anacortes. They've also been crying foul over losing the run. Maybe their mayor should pitch in some funds, too. Of course, it doesn't seem like Anacortes is going to lose that many tourist dollars if the Sidney run is terminated, certainly not as much as they claim. I mean, the bulk of traffic going through Anacortes has, and probably always will be, destined for the 4 ferry-served islands that represent the heart of the San Juan archipelago. I don't see that diminishing too much, unless WSF foolishly cuts back service on the San Juan ferry route, an option that is on the table, btw. If it is losing money, it needs to go. If they do not want to fork over extra dollars, the run needs to go. People want accountability with the ferries and not money wasting that the state has been god at. I think it will be best in the long term to cut the Sidney run to reduce costs and free up a vessel since the Sidney run is not very successful. Be careful about that "losing money" remark. Only three runs in the state actually pay for themselves. You have to break it more along the lines of what they're calling "essential service." The Sidney run does not provide essential service by any stretch of how they're defining it. If Anacortes, Sidney, Victoria et al want to save the run, then they need to pony up some of that money they claim to be raking it in from the tourist dollars. Either that or the need to run the Sidney boat the only season it probably could recover all costs--Summer. Run it from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, or there about. |
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Post by Barnacle on Jan 22, 2009 9:03:15 GMT -8
Be careful about that "losing money" remark. Only three runs in the state actually pay for themselves... ...and yours ain't one of 'em, Dan. ;D |
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Post by SS Shasta on Jan 22, 2009 12:50:46 GMT -8
If Anacortes, Sidney, Victoria et al want to save the run, then they need to pony up some of that money they claim to be raking it in from the tourist dollars. Either that or the need to run the Sidney boat the only season it probably could recover all costs--Summer. Run it from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, or there about. I agree with these comments. This issue needs to be addressed through the positive. To eliminate this important summer tourist route is very negative and very stupid. The folks in BC tourism need to work with the tourist interests in Anacortes and the Islands to pony up some money to reduce operational costs (landing fees, etc.) and also more effectively promote the route. A Memorial Day to Columbus Day schedule might also be prudent if the vessel is running almost empty during the early spring and late fall . |
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Post by jhjeeper on Jan 22, 2009 14:34:09 GMT -8
Actually subsidising transportation is nothing new in tourist areas. Most larger ski resorts (like here in Jackson Hole) have to guarantee the airlines a minimum profit for the airlines to fly in to our smaller airports.
Most of the businesses sign on for a small part of the overall bill (paid only if the income of the airlines falls below an agreed level.
This money commitment means that the businesses spend money to advertise, etc. instead of sitting on their hands/wallets. So if they advertise, they get more tourists (more tourists mean more $$$), and the money is better spent than if they have to give the money to the airlines.
So the idea of the locals affected actually helping out the cost is not so far-fetched.
And of course then the locals have some input as to schedules, etc. since they are paying part of the bills, and the transportation is adjusted to be friendlier to the local/tourist needs.
So maybe it is time for Sidney, Anacortes, and the surrounding areas (Friday Harbor?) to chip in a bit.
I don't like it any more than they will, but it is the cost of doing business in a tourist area.
Scott
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Post by Political Incorrectness on Jan 22, 2009 15:36:14 GMT -8
Be careful about that "losing money" remark. Only three runs in the state actually pay for themselves... ...and yours ain't one of 'em, Dan. ;D I'm not surprised due to a crappy schedule. |
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Post by EGfleet on Jan 23, 2009 8:27:44 GMT -8
...and yours ain't one of 'em, Dan. ;D I'm not surprised due to a crappy schedule. Actually Bremerton hasn't paid for itself since the end of WWII.  |
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Post by Barnacle on Jan 23, 2009 16:28:11 GMT -8
...and yours ain't one of 'em, Dan. ;D I'm not surprised due to a crappy schedule. I can tell you that the San Juans have a less convenient schedule. And no other roads out of the area. And no food service. |
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 4, 2009 10:44:38 GMT -8
Lobbying heats up as ferry plans sail into Legislature
February 04, 2009 - 07:30 AM
Elaine Walker
The Save Our Ferry group, a community organization trying to save the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., ferry run, has been working hard to get the word out to residents that the run is vital to the region.
Those residents have been contacting their state legislators to gain support for the run, which is shut down in Gov. Christine Gregoire’s proposed biennium budget and the Washington State Ferries draft long-range plan.
And in turn, some of those representatives are making it clear to their fellow legislators how important the run is to not only the Northwest region but to the state.
The message is getting across.
“In this particular case I have to say probably more than any other ferry cut I’m familiar with in the past ... Sen. (Kevin) Ranker has kind of made it his mission one might say to really talk about the economic impact ... and timing from the standpoint of the impact of the Olympics,” said Sen. Chris Marr, a Spokane County Democrat who served on the Washington State Transportation Commission for seven years.
Ranker, a 40th District Democrat from San Juan Island, has also made it clear that the economic downturn has already hurt the local community, Marr said.
“The question is, do we want to exacerbate it at a time when there’s an opportunity to expand tourism travel?” he said.
That kind of response is welcome to SOF members as the ferry budget starts its way through the Legislature and the group steps up its lobbying efforts.
Rep. Mike Armstrong, a Wenatchee Valley Republican who worked for the Washington State Department of Transportation for 21 years, sees the value of the run as well.
“In times like this, this is when we need to have everything we can to provide some stimulus for the economy and shutting that ferry off is going to do just the opposite,” Armstrong said. “If we start closing ferries down, which are part of the highway system, where do we stop?”
Armstrong said the assumption that people in Eastern Washington don’t like the ferries couldn’t be further from the truth.
“I would hate to see that run canceled,” he said. “I know it’s tough times but we have an obligation I think to the folks who have built their lives around knowing that a ferry run is there.”
Marr said cuts could be made away from operations.
“I think the case has been made pretty clearly that although yes there does need to be some cuts within the ferry system we should not assume we start with, certainly not, those that aren’t economically justifiable,” he said.
Armstrong suggested looking at the transportation department as a whole for alternative ways to cut.
“I think there are some savings we should be looking at in other areas, other construction projects that maybe could be rethought a little bit,” he said. “Maybe have some savings in those projects to keep the rest of our highway system up and running.”
The transportation budget, decided separately from the state operating and capital budgets, was scheduled to be presented to the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday. The committee is required to write its own version based on the governor’s recommendations by March 2. The issue then goes to the House Transportation Committee for its rendering due April 6.
The revised version of WSF’s long-range plan was introduced to the Legislature on Saturday while the Senate Transportation Committee was set to discuss it along with the WSF Commission ferry survey during today’s work session.
“Unfortunately, but for the most part expected, the revised draft plan is virtually identical to the draft plan,” said Ferry Advisory Committee Chair Duane Clark in an e-mail to the SOF group. “Plan B is still there, including the elimination of the Anacortes/Sidney run and the reduction of service to the San Juans.”
To strengthen the SOF group’s chances of saving the run, lobbyist Mike Ryherd of Soren Northwest Inc. began working for the city in January under a three-month contract that will pay him $2,500 a month through donations from local businesses and organizations.
The tactic to use a lobbyist along with additional marketing resources will ensure the SOF group conducts an efficient and effective legislative campaign, said Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mitch Everton in an e-mail to members last month.
Ryherd is the same lobbyist the city hired in 1997 during a previous attempt by the state to cancel the run.
“He did a great job for us,” said Mayor Dean Maxwell. “So much comes up on a daily basis at the capital, we can’t be there every day.”
That’s not to say they won’t be there some of the time. Visits to Olympia are already in the works for Maxwell, Everton and others with the SOF group.
Everton will be heading down Feb. 11 and is inviting other chamber members to join him for annual chamber day when representatives from throughout the state converge on the capital to meet with legislators.
Maxwell will join the Association of Washington Cities group in Olympia on Feb. 17.
Maxwell, Clark and Don Wick, Economic Development Association of Skagit County executive director, will go to Sidney Feb. 13. The Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce invited the group for a community meeting facilitated by Mayor Larry Cross in its effort “to coordinate the Save Our Ferry effort from this side of the border,” said Eileen Leddy, the Saanich chamber executive director.
Clark hopes the meeting signals to Washington’s legislators Vancouver Island’s support for the international run.
A busload of people, organized by the SOF group, will go to Olympia, but probably not until later in the session to spread out the campaign, Everton said.
Everton said he wouldn’t be surprised if the session, scheduled to end April 26, extends into June, considering the complexities of the budget that must be finalized before the biennium begins July 1.
Sen. Marr said with the attention the Sidney run is getting and the strength of the argument, he doubts its elimination will be in the final budget.
“Of course things could always get worse in the budget, but I believe a credible case has been made for that not being an overall good economic decision for the state.”
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 4, 2009 10:49:50 GMT -8
Northwest international ferries at a glance Anacortes American February 04, 2009 - 07:02 AM Washington State Ferries• Anacortes to Sidney, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. • Only international route in Washington State Ferries system. • Sailing schedule is April through December. • One round trip a day in spring and fall. • Two round trips a day in summer. • Stops at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor. • Spring reservations accepted starting Feb. 28. • One way adult passenger fare is $16. • One way vehicle less than 20-feet long and driver fare is $42.95. • Route is 39.9 miles. • Two to three hour travel time. • 13 employees operate the run — One master, one mate, four able seamen, four ordinary seamen, one chief engineer, one assistant engineer and one oiler. • Refuels two nights a week taking on 9,600 gallons. • Route served by Merchant Vessel Chelan.• One of five Issaquah 130 Class vessels in fleet. • 1,076 passenger capacity. • 124 vehicle capacity. • 2 diesel engines, 5,000 horsepower, travels 16 knots. • 328 feet long. • Built in Seattle in 1981. • 2007 ridership was 131,000 passengers, about 475 people a day. • Ridership is forecast to increase 78 percent from 2006 to 2030. • 2007 expenses attributed to the Sidney run were nearly $5 million. • 2007 fare box, galley and duty free store revenues were a little more than $3.3 million. • 2007 fare box recovery ratio was nearly 66.7 percent. • WSF will pay BC Ferries $370,000 a year to lease the Sidney dock and an additional $125,000 a year in service costs under a three-year contract signed early last year. • WSF paid Port of Anacortes about $229,000 in 2008 to lease the Ship Harbor property for its terminal and ferry docks used for the Sidney and San Juan Islands ferry routes. • In 2006, 59 percent of riders used the ferry for recreation, shopping and leisure, 32 percent for commuting and 10 percent for medical, personal or business reasons. WSF system overall • Created June 1, 1951. • Second largest ferry system in the U.S. and third largest in the world. • 2006 ridership was 23.7 million passengers. • 2030 ridership forecast is 32.3 million, an increase of 36 percent. • 22 vessels, 20 terminals. • Uses about 19 million gallons of fuel a year. • WSF customer service information is available at 1 (888) 808-7977. • Web site is www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. (Information compiled from Washington State Ferries) Black Ball Ferry LineVehicle and passenger ferry Route: Port Angeles on Olympic Peninsula to Victoria, Vancouver Island. Annual ridership: 400,000 passengers (2007). Distance: 23 nautical miles. Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes. Schedule: Year-round daily service except for two weeks in winter for annual maintenance. One to four sailings each way a day depending on season. Fares (one way): Adults $13.50, children (5-11) $6.75, vehicle and driver $50. Vessel: M.V. Coho. Passenger capacity: 1,000. Vehicle capacity: 115. BC Ferries*** My note here....WHY was B.C. Ferries included in this? They do not operate any international routes. If it was just for comparison fine, but they should have stated that...including it under "International Ferry Routes" was just sloppy reporting. ***[end rant] Vehicle and passenger ferries Route: Tsawwassen (south of city of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay, Vancouver Island. Annual ridership: 1.5 million (2007). Distance: 24 nautical miles. Travel time: 1 hour 35 minutes. Schedule: Year-round daily service. Eight to 15 sailings each way a day depending on day and season. Fares (one way): Adults $15.82, children (5-11) $7.91, vehicle without driver $52.33; Dec. 1 through Jan. 31, 33 percent off fares. Vessels: Spirit of British Columbia, Spirit of Vancouver and Coastal Celebration. Passenger capacity: 2,100; 2,100 and 1,650. Vehicle capacity: 410, 410 and 370. Victoria ClipperPassenger ferries Route: Seattle to Victoria. Annual ridership: 55,200 (2007). Distance: 130 nautical miles. Travel time: 2 to 3 hours. Schedule: Year-round daily service, except for Jan. 5 to 16 and Dec. 25. One to three sailings each way a day depending on season. Vessels: Victoria Clipper and Victoria Clipper IV. Fares (one way): Adults $85 to $98, children (1-11) $42.50 to $49, depending on season. Passenger capacity: 293 and 330. Victoria ExpressPassenger ferries Route: Port Angeles on Olympic Peninsula to Victoria. Annual ridership: Company does not release numbers. Distance: 23 nautical miles. Travel time: 55 minutes. Schedule: May through September daily service. Two to three sailings each way a day depending on season. Fares (one way): Adults $15.75, Children (1-11) $9.50. Vessels: Victoria Express and Victoria Express II. Passenger capacity: 149 on each.
Victoria/San Juan CruisesPassenger ferry Route: Bellingham to Victoria, British Columbia. Annual ridership: 25,000 including separate trips to San Juan Islands. Distance: 52 nautical miles. Travel time: 3 hours. Schedule: June through September daily service. One sailing each way a day. Fares (one way): Adults $59, Children (3-12) $22. Vessel: Victoria Star 2. Passenger capacity: 149. (Prices converted to U.S. dollars with Jan. 28 exchange rate of$1 U.S. equal to $1.22 Canadian.)
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 4, 2009 10:59:29 GMT -8
A Ferry Tale: History threatens to repeat itself in threat to Sidney run
Anacortes American
February 04, 2009 - 07:00 AM
Sharp Canadian tourism officials who foresaw the economic possibilities of an auto ferry between Vancouver Island and Washington arranged for the first boats to run daily between Anacortes and Sidney, B.C., for the 1922 summer tourist season.
Since then millions of passengers have heeded the slogan “Follow the birds to Victoria,” turning Anacortes into an internationally renowned tourist portal and pumping millions of dollars into the region.
Success brings challenges, and Anacortes had to defend its iconic route from Bellingham as early as 1927. The state took over ferry operations in 1951, intending the move to be temporary until bridges could be built. Ferries got older and the bridges never came, and problems have intensified since the 1970s, with a series of financial crises perpetually knocking ferry upgrades off funding lists. In 1977 the Sidney run was slated for termination because the cash-strapped state had no money for infrastructure. Similar efforts, for similar reasons, followed in 1997, 2002 — and 2009.
No one seems to be able to explain state officials’ repeatedly attempts to eliminate such a vital international link and economic engine.
“I’ll be damned if I know. I’ve been trying to get a satisfactory answer,” said former Anacortes Mayor Knute Figenshow.
Mayor Dean Maxwell said a key reason is most passengers aren’t locals.
“It doesn’t have a base of support that lives right here. It just doesn’t have an advocacy group,” he said.
Figenshow said the Sidney run needs to be secured, because too many resources are wasted fighting to retain it.
“It’s terrible. It needs to be put to bed and done with,” Figenshow said. “It’s been time spent over and over.”
George I. Warren of the Victoria and Island Publicity Bureau and Sound Freight Lines signed a contract on March 25, 1922, arranging for the Gleaner to make a daily trip between Anacortes and Sidney. Warren’s granddaughter, Michele Pope of Anacortes, still has the contract.
The fare for a small automobile was $4 one way or $6 for a round trip, plus $1 per person each way. Children under 12 were half price.
Warren’s son, the Rev. Robert I. Warren of Birmingham, England, described the ferry’s establishment, via e-mail.
“It started because the Canadian Pacific Railway’s steamers were not designed for motor cars and they had to flatten the tires of the cars to get them through the side doors into the ship,” he said. “Dad got a hold of a sternwheeler from the Skagit River to run a ferry.”
An inaugural excursion to Sidney on April 26, 1922, carried 175 dignitaries. During the 1922 season, 9,845 passengers and 2,353 vehicles sailed between the two towns. Total receipts were $18,808, operating costs were $17,447 and the net profit was $1,361, according to Warren’s records.
When Puget Sound Navigation Co. cut the Sidney run from three daily trips to two in 1927, the American grumbled about the late arrival in Sidney and the loss of a midday run that was moved to Bellingham. On April 16, the Mount Vernon Herald blamed Whatcom boosters and argued Anacortes offered a paved road and a shorter route.
“This is a matter which should not be allowed to drift and Anacortes should get out the first oar,” the Herald said.
In 1928, Black Ball Lines’ flags were raised on Puget Sound Navigation’s ferries. Black Ball became the region’s primary ferry provider after a 1935 strike eliminated a Kitsap competitor, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation.
***Edit--This paragraph is kind of misleading...the company was STILL the Puget Sound Navigation Company. In '28 after Captain Alexander Peabody took over operations, he restored the old house flag to the company. You'll still see on all the old brochures and schedules "Puget Sound Navigation Company." The house flag was so distinctive it simply became known almost by default as the Black Ball Line, and you'll often see it in quotes on the same materials. I suspect you all knew that anyway, but the misleading nature of the statement bugged me. ***
During World War II Black Ball and its employees patriotically tightened their belts. In 1947 workers won hefty raises and the Marine Engineers union went on strike for a 40-hour work week. In 1948, Black Ball president Capt. Alexander Peabody asked the state for a 30 percent fare hike to cover the higher costs. The state refused, so he shut down his ferries for nine days.
The instability of the regional transportation system led the state to purchase Black Ball in 1951. The state intended to operate ferries until a network of cross-sound bridges was built.
In 1951, Anacortes sent a large delegation to fend off another effort by Bellingham to take over San Juan and Sidney routes, according to the American. Lloyd Foster of the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce said it reminded him of prohibition “when a larger gang would try to nose smaller interests out.”
In 1959 the Legislature rejected cross-sound bridges, and the state was committed to the ferries. Revenues met debt service requirements until 1960, when the ferries received $672,000 from a 0.25-cent per gallon gas tax. Since the 1970s, gas taxes and vehicle registration fees provided capital funds, with federal and local funds for specific projects, according to WSDOT. Bolstered by Hood Canal Bridge tolls, the system generated net revenue until 1974. Soon after that, the first serious threat to the Sidney run surfaced.
Knute Figenshow was Anacortes’ mayor in 1977 when the State Toll Bridge Authority recommended eliminating the route. He credits Ian Munce, John Carraba and others for saving it.
Although Assistant Highway Director Tony Andreas admitted the Sidney run’s loss would cost Anacortes at least $1 million and the state $2.5 million in retail sales, Gov. Dixy Lee Ray, toll bridge authority chair, said the state lacked funds for new vessels for other routes. And, she added, the system’s priority was in-state traffic.
Anacortes businessmen tried to rent a vessel. In August, Ray said the route might be retained if the city raised 10 or 20 percent of the cost of a ferry, triggering federal funds. The Port of Anacortes sought a grant.
In September the international run was reprieved through the next June, if efforts continued. In January 1978, the chamber hired a marine surveyor to evaluate ferries for sale in Europe.
“Our committee was very active. We found a boat,” Figenshow said.
In March, the group learned the city was ineligible for matching funds. Still, they asked the state to buy the ferry Polar Express from Finland for $3.5 million. The state again extended the Sidney run, through the end of 1978.
In April, a city delegation testified before the Transportation Commission in Olympia. After all their work, Figenshow said it was an unprepared state engineer asking for more time to study the issue that saved the day.
“Ian said, ‘Knute, answer that.’ I also worked for Shell Oil Company,” Figenshow said. “I said if my boss asked me to study something and I said I needed six more months, I’d be fired.”
The commission gave the Sidney run five more years.
“It was just that interchange between him and me, and that worked out perfectly,” Figenshow said.
Munce, then a Skagit Regional Planning Council representative, said this should settle the issue.
“Hopefully, this will be the end of it,” he said at the time.
It was the end — for nearly 20 years.
In January 1997, the state Transportation Commission recommended eliminating the Sidney run Oct. 1 of that year.
Munce, Maxwell remembered, “turned white” at the news.
Last month, Munce said the reasoning behind the efforts to cancel the vital route is pretty simple.
“The straightforward explanation is it just stands out because it’s an international route, rather than domestic, and it doesn’t have a constituency of commuters that the other runs have. Without that ridership it’s pretty easy to go after it,” he said. “Tourism has always been under appreciated. It’s one of the largest industries in the state, but tourism doesn’t get the support it deserves.”
Early in 1997, ferry officials cited declining ridership, pending $3.3 million Coast Guard upgrades for international vessels and the route’s inability to cover 100 percent of its operating costs as reasons to end it. Because it serves primarily tourists, the run must cover all operating costs, according to a 1990 transportation rule. State Ferries estimated the run’s revenue covered about 75 percent of costs.
At that time, Maxwell questioned the numbers, noting WSF changed its criteria. Using the 1990 model, the actual loss between 1991 and 1995 was about $150,000, and he promised the city would not give up the Sidney run to make the Seattle morning commute a little quicker.
“We’re going to have a fist fight over that ferry boat,” he said.
The ferry system cited a drop in riders and fares between 1995 and 1996, but supporters cited reduced sailings. Maxwell said reasons for declining ridership included lack of promotion by the state, use of smaller boats, schedule changes and no reservation system.
“It used to be one of two top revenue producers. It’s been whittled at and neglected,” he said recently.
In February 1997, Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andy Mayer told the House Trade and Economic Development Committee the route brought $9.4 million a year to Anacortes and created 158 jobs, making it the city’s eighth largest employer.
That month, more than 200 Anacortes and Sidney residents spent nearly two hours testifying for the Transportation Commission in Olympia. Some tried to persuade with economic logic, others used history and aesthetics.
“This is about a love boat,” said Jack Papritz. “For $25 you can travel to a little bit of Europe through a magnificent archipelago.”
As ferry supporters left, Rep. Mike Cooper of Edmonds said it made no sense to balance a budget by devastating local economies.
When the House Trade & Economic Development Committee required WSDOT to factor tourism into its decision, WSF recommended continuing the route three years until a private operator could be found.
In 1997 Anacortes first kicked in $12,000 to publicize the ferry. A year later, the City Council contracted with the chamber for ferry promotion, using proceeds of a new 2 percent hotel/motel tax. These funds have provided $70,000 to $100,000 yearly for that purpose ever since.
Things stayed relatively quit through 1998. That summer the smaller Evergreen State sailed to Sidney alone. The route won an additional year to build ridership. The chamber created a reservation system. A ferry system audit recommended ending the Sidney run in winter.
And, more ominously, Sidney, B.C., began public hearings on eight potential uses for the city’s ferry terminal — only two of which included continued ferry operation.
The next great threat to the ferry system, and the Sidney run, was passage of Initiative 695 in November 1999.
Mark Funk, spokesman for the No on I-695 campaign, warned of the impact of a $1.2 billion annual cut in motor-vehicle excise taxes.
“It takes a meat ax to the ferries, clobbers transit and is especially hard on rural areas like Skagit County,” he said.
The state has not purchased a new ferry since I-695 passed, and the vessel shortage has grown more acute.
“That was the only source of capital funding for the ferry system,” Maxwell said.
In January 2000, deterioration of Sidney’s dock forced Canadian officials to prohibit large buses and motor homes. Gray Line of Seattle re-routed its Vancouver Island tours through Port Angeles.
In September 2001, East Coast terrorist attacks triggered stringent border-crossing regulations.
“With the Coast Guard, this relates to security, screening, armed guards. We could be looking at $20 million system-wide,” said new WSF Director Michael Thorne.
In February 2002, Thorne was reluctant to work with Sidney on dock plans.
Then, in December, Thorne recommended ending the Sidney run and turning it over to a private operator by 2009, to scale back the ferry system and ensure its viability.
WSF spokeswoman Pat Patterson said the run performed fine, but the issue was an aging fleet and no money for new vessels.
“We are in pretty desperate need of some more capital funding,” she said.
“We need $66 million to provide a vessel in 2009 for that run, and we don’t have the revenue,” WSF Finance Director Sam Kuntz said in February 2003. He planned to move North Sound boats to “priority” areas in Central Puget Sound, and not replace them.
“Washington State Ferries is in emergency mode now, you can even say it’s in a ‘death spiral,’” said state Rep. Jeff Morris, D-Anacortes at that time. “Even before the $30 car tabs ravaged our fleet, we were facing a crisis in the San Juans. We’ve been keeping it alive with duct tape and I think we’ve just run out.”
Facing a budget deficit of $2 billion, the Legislature had limited options. But in May 2003, legislation gave the ferry system a boost.
“I think the intent of the Legislature is pretty clear to us — that we will remain in business beyond 2009,” Patterson said.
The new transportation plan included $67 million to upgrade the Anacortes ferry terminal — but cut the international run in the winter.
In 2006 another threat gained strength, as the town of Sidney negotiated with BC Ferries to manage its terminal and dock. After State Ferries failed to bid, Sidney finalized a 40-year BC Ferries lease. WSF officials announced the future of the Sidney route was uncertain.
Officials disagreed. Sen. Harriet Spanel said the Legislature would make the decision, not State Ferries.
“I do know that the legislators down here do feel strongly that the run will continue,” she said.
As negotiations continued, a report by the Economic Development Association of Skagit County showed the Sidney ferry run supports 1,470 jobs with more than $30 million in annual payroll and generates nearly $126 million in annual spending in the region. The July 2007, study by E.D. Hovee & Company, LLC, estimated the state receives $4.6 million a year in taxes related to the run.
In March 2008, WSF agreed to a three-year lease for the Sidney landing at $370,000 a year, plus $125,000 a year for other charges. Because the state pays the Port of Anacortes $223,000 a year to lease the Anacortes terminal site, grumbles arise that the port should collect more.
Still, things seemed to settle down — until a few days before Christmas, 2008, when Gov. Christine Gregoire proposed a budget that eliminates the Sidney ferry run.
And it all starts again.
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Post by Dane on Feb 6, 2009 0:58:28 GMT -8
The BC Ferries fares are wrong.... In fact.... most of those figures are wrong for BCF!
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Kam
Voyager
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Post by Kam on Feb 6, 2009 9:32:16 GMT -8
I hope they keep the run for one more season, I'm going to be down that way this spring and was hoping to go down on the Coho and return via Anacortes-Sidney.
BTW, anyone know what the schedule would be for April 12? The WSF website doesn’t show any of the routes that far ahead…
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Nick
Voyager
Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
Posts: 2,080 
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Post by Nick on Feb 6, 2009 9:53:03 GMT -8
Most likely it will be one round trip, leaving Anacortes around 7:30am, departing Sidney at 11something am (11:20 rings a bell...). I'm sure EvergreenFleet will be able to answer much more definitively.
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Post by EGfleet on Feb 6, 2009 10:10:01 GMT -8
Most likely it will be one round trip, leaving Anacortes around 7:30am, departing Sidney at 11something am (11:20 rings a bell...). I'm sure EvergreenFleet will be able to answer much more definitively. Yep, you've got it just about right, though I think departure time is 7:45, arrive at Sidney around 10:30ish and depart at 11:20. There will be a Sidney run at least through the summer schedule...beyond that, all bets are off. |
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Post by Kahloke on Feb 6, 2009 10:15:18 GMT -8
If they hold true to what they did last year, this is what the schedules will look like:
SPRING
lv. Anacortes: 7:45am
lv. Orcas: 8:40am
lv. Friday Hbr: 9:35am
ar. Sidney: 10:50am
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lv. Sidney: 11:45am
lv. Friday Hbr: 1:45pm
ar. Anacortes: 2:50pm
SUMMER
lv. Anacortes: 8:15am
ar. Sidney: 10:20am
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lv. Sidney: 11:20am
ar. Anacortes: 1:25pm
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lv. Anacortes: 2:00pm
lv. Orcas: 2:55pm
lv. Friday Hbr: 3:50pm
ar. Sidney: 5:05pm
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lv. Sidney: 6:00pm
lv. Friday Hbr: 7:25pm
Ar. Anacortes: 8:30pm
I wouldn't think WSF will vary the schedule much this year, if at all.
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Post by Barnacle on Feb 6, 2009 15:42:48 GMT -8
0745 dep. Anacortes
0840 dep. Orcas
0930 dep. Friday harbor
1045 arr. Sidney BC
-----
1140 dep. Sidney BC
1340 dep. Friday harbor
1445 arr. Anacortes
(1630 clear US Customs ;D )
Bank that.
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Post by ferryrider42 on Feb 22, 2009 18:53:18 GMT -8
‘If we lose it, it’ll never come back’By Cat George - Peninsula News Review
Published: February 19, 2009 1:00 PM Duane Clarke, the chair of the Save our Ferry committee, likens the ongoing battle over the Sidney-Anacortes ferry to a boxing match. “Don’t look at this as a short term battle; look at it as a 15-round professional fight, and we’re in round three or four,” he told the crowd at a public meeting in support of the embattled ferry run. And, indeed, as political leaders reminisced about past campaigns to bring the route back from the brink, there was something in the air that spoke of prizefighters stepping back out of their corners, ready for yet another bruising battle. “Unfortunately, we’ve done this too may times in the past,” said Dean Maxwell, mayor of Anacortes. “But we really have to, one more time.” It wasn’t just the visitors from Washington with long memories and a readiness to pitch in, either; Gary Lunn, Member of Parliament for Saanich-Gulf Islands, jumped into the ring, too. “We, Murray Coell [MLA for Saanich North and the Islands] and I, remember this, 10 years ago,” he said, referring to the 1997 struggle to continue the ferry route. “We all need to roll up our sleeves and get in front of Washington State legislators.” He added that he and Coell would be happy to join a group of ferry supporters in visiting Olympia, the Washington capital, as part of a pitch to legislators there. This most recent threat to the survival of the ferry route became apparent in late 2008, as Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire announced that cancelling the ferry route would save $9.2 million for the state, and targeted the end of summer 2009 as the end of the run. Ferry supporters on both sides of the border immediately began to marshall, and the recent meeting at the Mary Winspear Centre brought together both Anacortes and Sidney ferry-fans to discuss tactics and report on their efforts so far. Representative Jeff Morris, member of the Washington State legislature, had intended to be at the meeting as well, but was delayed in Washington State by engine troubles on two subsequent airplanes, reported Larry Cross, Sidney mayor. Cross said that David Hahn, president and CEO of BC Ferries, had told him that he was willing to make a visit to Olympia as well, but could not attend the meeting as he was inaugurating a new ferry in the system that day. BC Ferries currently leases the terminal property in Sidney for use to Washington State Ferries; the two groups signed the lease in early spring, 2008, but at the time, Washington State Ferries’ representatives expressed some desire to renegotiate a less expensive lease for the property, noting that it increased the costs of the run significantly. Despite Gregoire’s announcement that scrapping the route would save money, all the speakers at the meeting emphasized that losing the run would be mean economic losses, not gains. “We can’t afford to lose any piece of our economy,” said Maxwell. Don Wick, the economic development officer for Skagit County, cited a 2007 study that showed the economic benefits the run brings to the region. In 2006, 131,600 rode the ferry, with 83 per cent of them travelling the full distance, between Anacortes and Sidney (the route also allows for other stops in the San Juan Islands). He said that ridership led to, directly and indirectly, 1,470 jobs accounting for a $30 million payroll, $126 million in spending, and $4.6 million in tax revenue to Washington State. “Without any other considerations, economics are on our side,” he said. “It just doesn’t make sense to shut it down. I don’t criticize them for trying to make difficult cuts, but but this is an absolute jewel in the crown.” He emphasized that the ferry brought visitors to the Pacific Northwest region, allowing them easy access to both Canadian and American attractions, and brought them back for the opportunity to cruise through the islands. Local tourism representatives pledged their support for the ferry, as well, citing its importance for their attractions, with Rob Gialloreto, CEO of Tourism Victoria, speaking up, and Dave Cowen, general manager of Butchart Gardens, echoing his support. “Tourism in our region is important, and regional tourism is increasingly important,” Cowen said, putting out a call for the Saanich Peninsula community to get involved with the effort to save the ferry: “I hope everybody gets excited after today.” David Rappella, representative of the Anacortes Sister City Association (Anacortes and Sidney are sister cities, largely because of the ferry), said that he worried about the loss of connection between the communities if the ferry went, and noted that there would be no rescuing the ferry if it was allowed to stop. “If we lost it, it’ll never come back,” he said. John Treleavean, of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, said that the ferry connection was important in a larger context, that of the relationship between the two neighbouring countries and the issue of what he called the “thickening border.” “It matters to border states that the border be thin,” he said, going on to say that he felt the ferry route must be looked at as a roadway. “Some people say, we’ll sell a boat, no problem, the ocean is still there,” he said. “But if the ferry goes, the road disappears. We invest in the road system; there’s the same economic opportunity to a ferry system. Is there a politician alive that wants to stand by a road that has been torn up? Let us not tear up the road between Sidney and Anacortes.” Clarke, the Save our Ferries committee chair, gave the audience a few updates and made a few suggestions on what residents could do to get involved. He pointed everyone to the Save our Ferries website, www.saveourferry.net, which has ongoing updates on the situation and lists of contacts for those wishing to write support letters. “We have retained the services of a lobbyist in Olympia; hopefully that’ll help us stay on top of the legislative process,” said Clarke. “This decision will be made in the [Washington State] transportation committee. We have to participate in that process.” Although no date was formally set for a politician and supporter visit to Olympia, everyone at the meeting seemed in agreement that they would be willing to go. Edward Connor, of the Sidney Business Association, brought a positive note to the proceedings, reminding everyone that in 1997, the community was successful in saving the ferry. “In 1997, we collected over 10,000 signatures and took them to Olympia,” he said. “Now we need to do that all over again. It happened last time; there’s no reason why it shouldn’t again.” www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/peninsulanewsreview/news/39816563.html
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Post by BreannaF on Feb 26, 2009 4:46:29 GMT -8
CEO of Black Ball Lines comments on it's own run, as well as the possible demise of the Anacortes-Sidney run. From the Anacortes American: Black Ball Ferry makes its run workFebruary 25, 2009 - 07:00 PM by Joan Pringle The Black Ball Ferry Line transports approximately 400,000 passengers a year from Port Angeles to Victoria, B.C., on Vancouver Island. Its vessel, the M/V Coho, has been in service for 49 years and has a carrying capacity of 1,000 passengers and 115 vehicles. Those numbers along with fare prices are comparable to those of the M/V Chelan ferry on the Anacortes to Sidney, B.C., run managed by Washington State Ferries. Black Ball is a successful operation due to its starting point in Port Angeles that helps travelers bypass Seattle, its direct drop-off point in Victoria and the efficiency and reliability of the company itself, according to Black Ball President and CEO Ryan Burles. Meanwhile, WSF and Gov. Christine Gregoire have proposed canceling the Anacortes run because it does not pay for itself and the state has to find answers to an $8 billion deficit in the 2009-2011 biennium budget. Why the difference? “I don’t think there’s a simple answer to that,” said Burles, who’s worked for the company since 1981 and who’s also a member of the Victoria and Port Angeles chambers of commerce. “I’m not going to really comment on what they can do,” he said. “I mean there are so many things you could maybe talk about but I don’t think it’s fair.” Burles does attribute part of Black Ball’s success to the north/south route that begins on the Olympic Peninsula. Travelers coming from California and Oregon break off from Interstate 5 in Olympia to head north on Highway 101, avoiding Seattle and more importantly Seattle traffic. “You avoid going through Seattle, the border and that type of thing,” Burles said. “Our route is excellent.” Another reason for the company’s success is its inner harbor terminal right in downtown Victoria. “So obviously accessibility for foot passengers is great,” Burles said. “They can walk off and go into town to shop or go into a hotel so I think that’s one of the successes.” The WSF ferry also doesn’t run as often as the Black Ball or the BC Ferries that sails from Tsawwassen, British Columbia, to Vancouver Island. “Running only that one time in the morning, it does reduce your ability if you’re not near Anacortes,” Burles said. “You have to get up pretty early to get there.” Burles also credits Black Ball’s success to the company itself and its crews. “We’ve had a long tradition of taking care of our boat and we run a very efficient and reliable service,” he said. “Not to take away from Washington state or BC Ferries, but we have a very good group and we’ve done it justice.” Burles said if WSF does shut down the run, he might gain some business but in the long run having choices is more important. “That’s a beautiful run through those islands,” he said. “I think it’s important for both sides that hopefully that link can continue on.” As for expanding Black Ball to take over the WSF route if it is closed, Burles said the company’s focus is maintaining its Port Angeles to Victoria run and making sure it stays profitable. “I think it’s certainly something you could look at,” Burles said. “But I don’t know right now if this would be the time. In this type of climate, I wouldn’t suggest it would be the smartest thing to do.” |
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Post by EGfleet on Mar 21, 2009 8:22:23 GMT -8
Sidney ferry sails, but where is the run headed?
Joan Pringle, Anacortes American
Travelers on the first spring 2007 sailing of the Washington State Ferry run from Anacortes to Sidney, B.C, make their way back to the Chelan before it sets off for home. With the run facing an uncertain future, ferry backers want to make this year’s opening sailing season celebration bigger and better.
It could be a ferry celebration like no other — with the chance it may be the last weighing heavy on revelers’ minds.
The first spring sailing of the Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, ferry run on Sunday, March 29 will be a cause for celebration this year, but also an opportunity to make a statement, said Duane Clark, Anacortes ferry advisory chair and Save Our Ferry committee member.
The run is an asset in the state’s struggle with current economic conditions and “is and has always been a huge economic stimulus package,” he said.
Whether the run will be eliminated as suggested in Gov. Christine Gregoire’s 2009-2011 budget proposal and the Washington State Ferries long-range plan is being discussed in the current legislative session.
The Senate Transportation Committee’s version of the budget is due out by Monday and the House Transportation Committee’s version is due out by March 30, said Mayor Dean Maxwell.
With the state facing a deficit of $8 billion or more, tough decisions are coming across the board.
“The way I hear, there’s still a really big shortfall. A lot of programs may have to be cut,” Maxwell said. “But I’m hopeful.”
In the meantime, the tradition of Anacortes city officials, Chamber of Commerce and Sister Cities Association members taking the first Sidney ferry run of the year will continue. As always, once they land at the Sidney terminal, they’ll be greeted by Canadian citizens, including a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and the town crier, and served coffee and treats before they re-board to take the return trip home.
“This year, in view of the possible demise of this run, we want to see a huge crowd of people, either in the ferry terminal or along the seawall by the terminal to show support for this ferry service,” wrote Sidney Sister Cities Association member Katherine Huot in an e-mail to residents. “Bring the family, friends, neighbors and Canadian flags and let’s give the ferry a huge show of support from Sidney.”
This year’s trip to Sidney will include a large delegation of Anacortes folks who will be joined by more riders and supporters at stops along the way at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor, Clark said.
“Clearly this event takes on new meaning this year,” Clark said. “If the elimination of the run occurs in September as planned, this would be the last such celebration.”
WSF is providing 50 free round-trip passenger tickets to Anacortes Sister Cities and Chamber members and San Juan Islanders. Other adults will be charged the $32 round-trip fee.
Passengers are being asked to wear Save Our Ferry pins, T-shirts or sweatshirts available through Sister Cities member Jo Fuqua at fugua4@comcast.net and carry U.S. and Canadian flags.
“This is an opportunity for SOF supporters to make a statement to the media to hopefully successfully save this ferry run,” Clark said.
Others planning to be on board this year include Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen and Rep. Judy Clibborn and their husbands. They are chairs of the Senate and House transportation committees respectively.
“So we have two transportation chairs and that’s where most of this work is going to be done — in those committees,” Clark said.
Others from the Washington Legislature have been invited but confirmations of whether their schedules will allow them to attend are up in the air.
On the Sidney side, several residents, including Mayor Larry Cross, are planning to make the return trip to Anacortes, have some fun that evening in town and catch the ferry run the next morning after overnight home stays with Sister Cities members.
“We’re trying to make this a celebration even though we’re under a cloud,” Clark said.
Opening day of Sidney ferry run
Passengers are asked to be at the Anacortes terminal at 7 a.m. for the 7:45 sailing to Sidney, B.C. The ferry will stop at Orcas Island and Friday Harbor. It will arrive in Sidney at 10:45 a.m.
The return trip sails at 11:40 a.m., makes a stop in Friday Harbor and reaches Anacortes at 2:45 p.m.
Round-trip passenger tickets are $32 for adults, $16 for seniors and $25.60 for youth ages 6 to 18. For a vehicle and driver, the cost is $85.90.
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Post by EGfleet on Mar 22, 2009 11:10:15 GMT -8
Keep Anacortes ferry afloat -- use it
By Dave Obee, Times ColonistMarch 22, 2009
The Chelan is coming back to Sidney next Sunday, and the community plans to throw a party to celebrate. After all, Washington State Ferries is once again muttering about dropping the Sidney connection from its schedule, so this could be the last year we have a direct connection to the teeming metropolis of Anacortes.
The party will start when the green vessel pulls up to the dock at 10:45 a.m., and will continue for almost an hour, until the ferry leaves. A delegation from Sidney will climb on board for another party, this time in Anacortes.
Washington's state-run ferry system might stop the service -- part of our transportation network since 1951 -- in September. The reason? It needs to save money wherever it can, and cutting the route will mean a $9 million boost to its budget.
The ferry route brings economic benefits to both Greater Victoria and the Skagit County area in Washington. The Economic Development Association of Skagit County says, for example, that tourism generated by the ferry run directly supports 1,120 jobs and $20.6 million in payroll in the northern Puget Sound region.
Along with the party on March 29, letters are being written, and names are being gathered on petitions. Those are valiant efforts, but ultimately they won't mean much unless the Chelan sees, in simple terms, more bums in the seats.
Think of it the way the bean-counters would -- and logically, any argument about the Sidney route should be a short one. Those of us who love taking that ferry would not be pleased with the outcome.
Consider that the route had just 113,000 passengers last year, making it the least-used route in the Washington ferry system. It is also the longest run, so it uses more fuel and takes more time than the others. And the Washington State Ferries fleet that could be described, kindly, as vintage; it could be using the Chelan somewhere else.
The Sidney route is the only one that crosses the international border, so it causes special problems in Anacortes. If the Chelan is not right on schedule -- or if one of the other ferries serving Anacortes is running behind -- there will be a jam.
The terminal is a tight squeeze, with nothing like the capacity of the B.C. Ferries terminals at Swartz Bay or Tsawwassen. That means that only one vessel can load or unload at any time.
Vehicles coming off the Chelan need to clear customs and the secure area is not large enough for all the cars. Until we get out of the way, the next ferry in line can't start loading, so the passengers heading to other San Juan Islands have to wait.
In other words, an expensive low-traffic route means extra hassle for Washington State Ferries, which is short of vessels anyway. It will be tough to counter that with a petition, no matter how many pages of names are attached to it.
The petitions and the letters are worth trying, of course. But ultimately, it's the traffic volume that will determine whether the route survives another year. Marketing has been weak on both sides of the border, so that needs to be fixed, pronto.
The trip is quite unlike the B.C. Ferries experience. The Chelan is small, with space for just 124 cars and 1,076 passengers. It's a new vessel that seems old, and the food service is no coastal inspiration.
But it's the trip that counts. There are plenty of views of small islands and little bays, and there are even quick stops at places such as Orcas and Friday Harbour. For those of us used to crossing in an hour and 35 minutes, spending three hours on the Chelan might seem like forever, but there is plenty to see -- so consider it a cheap sightseeing cruise instead.
There is also plenty to see and do on the other side, including the historic downtown of Mount Vernon, the shopping extravaganza of Burlington and the artists' colony of La Conner. (And be sure to drive along Skagit County's Josh Wilson Road, which was named after my father's uncle.)
We also need to spread the word on that side about what pleasures will be found on our lovely Vancouver Island. Butchart Gardens, Craigdarroch Castle and the Royal B.C. Museum, for example, provide experiences that are unique to Greater Victoria. We need to promote them, and tie them to the Sidney route.
If we want to keep the Anacortes ferry in service, we need to build traffic on it. It's that simple.
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Post by Kahloke on Mar 30, 2009 19:23:28 GMT -8
Here's an article in the Peninsula News Review today: Sidney Anacortes Ferry run gets fee cutBy Laura Lavin - Peninsula News Review Published: March 30, 2009 6:00 PM Updated: March 30, 2009 6:20 PM Hundreds of locals gathered at the Sidney Ferry Terminal to welcome the MV Chelan and her passengers Sunday morning. Following the tradition of Town Criers, Town Crier of the City of Anacortes, Washington Richard Ridell, announced the news that the Senate Transportation Committee’s budget was released and the Anacortes/San Juans/Sidney ferry run is to be maintained at the current level in that budget. Members of the US Save Our Ferry committee are cautiously optimistic as they wait for the House budget next week, which they believe will also include the ferry run. The gathering included council representatives from Victoria, Esquimalt, Central Saanich, North Saanich and Sidney, members of Sidney and Anacortes Sister City Associations, chamber and business association members, business owners and residents along with Sidney Mayor Larry Cross, Victoria-Hillside MLA Rob Fleming, Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell, 40th Legislative District Representative Jeff Morris, Anacortes, Washington Mayor Dean Maxwell, 10th Legislative District Senator Mary Margaret Haugen and 41st Legislative District Representative Judy Clibborn. “One of the hurdles we’ve faced has been a question of the landing fees. That’s bothered Washington State Ferries and our Anacortes friends. The Town of Sidney has had some important negotiations with BC Ferries and we’ve come a long way to address the problem,” said Cross, in a short address to the crowd. After a closed council meeting late Monday, Cross announced that the town and BC Ferries had come to an agreement to cut landing fees by $100,000 a year for the next three years. “It represents about a 25 per cent reduction,” said Cross. “Full credit goes to BC Ferries for this.” The ferry service, which runs the Sidney Ferry Terminal for the town, agreed to the landing fee reduction last week. A council meeting had to be called for the municipality to formally pass a motion to lower the fee. “I wanted to have a meeting last Friday, but we didn’t have enough time for notification,” said Cross, who had merely hinted at the deal with BC Ferries on Sunday. “I think this is a strong statement of the value that we place on [the Anacortes Ferry run],” said Cross. “Both the Senate and the House have revamped their budgets to include the Sidney Anacortes run, that will go forward for the governor to sign.” Cross said he and Sidney councillor, and liaison to the Sidney Anacortes Ferry, Kenny Podmore, will go to Olympia, Washington next week. “We’ll speak to them and encourage them to pass the budget including the Anacortes ferry,” he said. “What a show!” proclaimed Anacortes Mayor Dean Maxwell, of the turnout at the terminal Sunday. “Through this we’ve discovered the serendipity of the run — when we hear the stories you’ve told us on this journey. What takes great strength, brings great unity. I thank you for your efforts. Apathy is a word we hear too often, but apathetic, you are not.” Thanking representatives Clibborn and Morris, along with Senator Haugen, Maxwell said: “We would not be here without their hard work.” Haugen is the chair Senate Transportation Committee, which included the ferry run in its budget last week. Clibborn is the chair of the House Transportation Committee, which will release its budget later this week. “On the ferry ride back, we had a chance to speak to the legislators and many wonderful people from Anacortes and the San Juan Islands,” said Cross. “They fully support this run. “This is more than a ship going back and forth, it’s a symbol of the relationship between our two countries; the towns of Sidney and Anacortes and the communities that are connected to them,” said Cross. www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver_island_south/peninsulanewsreview/news/42164382.html |
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Post by BreannaF on Mar 31, 2009 5:46:49 GMT -8
1) A more true picture of the situation will be just how many people are riding Monday. Or next Sunday. Or was I not supposed to ask that question?  1a) To be fair, I do know that I really shouldn't ask that question until about May..... 2) So........ Along with the dignitaries aboard and a Mountie to greet one and all, were there any semi-famous ferry historians aboard this year?? |
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