PORT TOWNSEND – Two of the North Olympic Peninsula’s lawmakers support the concept of a permanent Port Townsend-to-Seattle passenger ferry – so long as it is financially feasible.
At the same time, Washington State Ferries says the route can’t support itself, no matter how popular it is.
Reps. Lynn Kessler, D-Hoquiam, and Kevin Van De Wege, D-Sequim, said they are encouraged by the efforts of a grass-roots group of commuters to Seattle who want the ferry MV Snohomish, or some other passenger ferry service, to continue operations between the Emerald and Key cities.
The group – led by Kyle Montgomery, a Port Ludlow resident and longtime commuter to Seattle via the Bainbridge ferry – has gathered more than 1,000 signatures online at Seattle2PT.com in the past week.
“I think that’s our great hope, is to put on the pressure,” Kessler said Wednesday.
“If it turns out that there is enough support and it pencils out, then I think it would be fabulous.
Both Kessler and Van De Wege said that cost is the issue.
“I fully support it,” said Van De Wege.
“Whether or not it’s possible, that’s yet to be seen.”
House Majority Leader Kessler and Van De Wege expect to take up ferry issues when the state Legislature reconvenes on Jan. 14.
The two represent the 24th District, which covers Jefferson and Clallam counties and a portion of Grays Harbor County.
Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed a $100 million budget to build three new ferries within the next 18 months to serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route.
But the state plans to stop the four daily Port Townsend-Seattle runs – which began on Dec. 13 for the holiday shopping season – on Jan. 6.
