PORT TOWNSEND — A group advocating permanent passenger-ferry service between Port Townsend and Seattle asked the three Port of Port Townsend commissioners about providing such service.
The group got a cool reception.
“The ferry business is not on the port’s agenda,” said longtime Port Commissioner Herb Beck of Quilcene.
“Where do you get the money?”
Port Commissioner Dave Thompson, who assumed the port commissioners’ chairmanship Wednesday after newly elected Port Commissioner John Collins was sworn in, said he doubted the port had the money needed to start up a ferry service.
The commissioners also questioned where the port could moor a vessel the size of the Snohomish, the state foot ferry used up until last Sunday on a special holiday run between Port Townsend and Seattle.
Additional staffing to operate the vessel was another concern.
By state law, port districts have the power to create, own and operate a ferry system.
The ferry subject was broached this week when Kyle Alm, a Jefferson County spokesman for Jefferson County fast-ferry advocates, e-mailed Port Executive Director Larry Crockett asking several questions:
