U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) today joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to announce major, bipartisan legislation to dramatically strengthen our federal investment in ferry systems nationwide, including Washington State Ferries. The Members of Congress were joined at the press conference by Washington State Ferries Director David Moseley who praised their bill, the U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009.
“In Washington state and many other parts of the country, ferries connect communities to keep our economy moving,” said Rep. Larsen. “Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the country and carries over 25 million riders annually. For thousands of my constituents, ferries offer the only practical way to get to work and return home. The U.S. Ferry Investment Act will strengthen our federal commitment to ferries to create jobs, invest in public safety and help build a foundation for long-term economic growth.”
While ferries are the sole means of surface transportation for many constituents in Larsen’s district and other parts of the country, the federal government currently invests only one percent of federal surface transportation dollars in ferries. Additional resources are needed to help ferry systems across the country replace aging vessels and meet growing demand.
“The U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009 makes a strong investment in our nation’s ferry systems, which provide a critical lifeline for millions of commuters across the country,” said Senator Patty Murray. “This bill would also give a boost to the economy by creating jobs directly, as well as by increasing productivity and making investments in long term economic growth. We understand the importance of ferries in Washington state, and I am proud to stand here with my colleagues as we work to strengthen this critical link in our nation’s transportation system.”
The U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009 would strengthen the federal ferryboat program, mandating that half of federal funds be distributed by formula to help ensure that significant funding is directed to the largest and most critical public ferry systems, including Washington State Ferries. Half of the program funds would continue to be distributed on a discretionary basis.
Local support for the U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act:
State Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, 10th Legislative District said:
“I am so pleased to see a federal commitment on the importance of our country’s marine highways. This act certainly shows the quality of leadership we have in our congressional delegation in that they were able to put this investment package together. In Washington State, the ferry routes are considered a part of the state highway system, and this act is incredibly important particularly to those areas of the state that are only accessible by ferry. Our state will certainly benefit from this program and I appreciate the dedication of our delegation in Washington DC.”
Helen Price Johnson, Island County Commissioner, District 1 said:
“The ferry system is the marine highway for Island County, providing commerce, linkages for emergency services, and supporting regional transportation efforts. Ferries are vital to the health and future of our island community. They also are critical for the effective transporting of goods, services and personnel to the military bases located around Puget Sound. The US Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009 will support this important segment of the national transportation system.”
Nancy Conard, Mayor of Coupeville, WA said:
“I am delighted that our federal representatives are recognizing the critical role that ferries play in the transportation system. Just like roads and bridges, ferries should be given equal consideration.”
Mayor Paul Samuelson of Langley, WA said:
“I am enormously grateful to Representative Rick Larsen and Senator Patty Murray for their attention to ferries, a critical means of transportation for the community of Langley. Langley and South Whidbey are dependent on the ferry system for resident access to jobs, transportation of goods to local businesses and for tourism. Murray and Larsen’s legislation would make a real difference for our community.”
Mayor Dean Maxwell, Anacortes:
"This is wonderful. I am glad that our ferries are a priority of Rep. Larsen and Senator Murray. This couldn't have come at a better time.”
The U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009 would:
- Invest $200 million a year in funding for ferry systems across the country starting in Fiscal Year 2010, and running through Fiscal Year 2015
- Mandate that half of those funds be distributed by formula to help ensure that significant funding is directed to the largest and most critical public ferry systems, including Washington State Ferries
- Make ferry systems eligible to compete for funding under the Clean Fuels Grant Program
- Establish a Ferry Joint Program Office within U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to coordinate federal programs affecting ferry and ferry facility construction, maintenance, operations and security, and to promote ferry transportation as a component of the U.S. transportation system
- Require U.S. DOT to ensure the National Ferry Database is consistent with the database maintained by the Federal Transit Administration
- Authorize funding to establish a National Ferry Transportation Institute at a college or university. The institute is directed to conduct research, training, and develop models and recommendations to improve the operation and safety of ferry systems in the United States
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