PENINSULA DAILY NEWS
PORT TOWNSEND — With state ferries officials proposing extension of the ferry terminal 120 feet into Port Townsend Bay Wednesday at Fort Worden State Park Commons, some residents had a different idea altogether — relocating the terminal outside the city limits.
They asked ferry officials to consider moving the facility, its traffic and environmental headaches south of the city.
“I’d like to see the dock be reduced to passenger only and the cars and trucks come in on the other side of the paper mill,” said Gloria Bram, who unsuccessfully ran for Port of Port Townsend commissioner in September.
Bram was not alone in her opinion during a Washington State Ferries open house and “scoping meeting” held Wednesday.
Others agreed that locations considered by the state for an alternative ferry terminal site would better serve the area.
Glen Cove, the Port of Port Townsend Boat Haven and other areas south of Port Townsend Paper Corp. mill had been considered, state ferries officials said.
“I think the Glen Cove location is a remarkable idea. It keeps the traffic out of town,” another resident chimed in during the environmental comment period.
$20 million more in costs
Russ East, Washington State Ferries director of terminal engineering, said it would cost at least $20 million more to build a new site, possibly bringing the project total to at least $60 million.
“In terms of what is budgeted today, it would cost far more,” said East, adding that the existing dock is in good enough condition to build upon.
As proposed, a $35 million expansion would move the ferry terminal 120 feet into Port Townsend Bay, which would avoid environmental impact on eelgrass beds around the terminal.
Those beds are disturbed by ferry boat “prop wash” at the existing terminal.
Comment information
Those wishing to comment on the Port Townsend ferry terminal preservation and improvement project can submit comments to Washington State Ferries, Attn: Hadley Greene, 2901 Third Ave., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121, e-mail at porttownsendproject@wsdot.wa.gov or call Greene at 206-515-3913.
