PORT TOWNSEND — It’s official.
The state has abandoned plans to build a new 50-car ferry for the Port Townsend-Keystone route.
Instead, it will build two larger, more stable Island Home-class ferries, each capable of carrying almost 80 cars.
Pierce County has agreed to extend a lease on one of its ferries to early 2010, when the first of the Island Home boats is due to be delivered.
Gov. Chris Gregoire said the deal, finalized Monday after the possibility was first floated last Friday, was largely influenced by a recent tour of downtown Port Townsend businesses.
While the deal won’t change how ferry riders now travel between Port Townsend and Keystone on Whidbey Island until 2010, “we’re thrilled,” said Port Townsend Mayor Michelle Sandoval.
“We think (state Transportation Secretary) Paula Hammond and (ferry director) David Moseley have listened to us.
“I think the Island Home design is a better boat for our route and the system.”
Said Moseley: “This is good news. We get to go directly to the boat that everyone believes will serve this route better.
“We believe we can build two Island Homes with the allocation from the Legislature.”
State Rep. Lynn Kessler also praised the governor, Hammond and Moseley.
“This is also welcome news for our businesses in Port Townsend and across the Peninsula,” Kessler said.
