Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today praised $5.8 million in federal funding for ferries in Northwest Washington. The U.S. Department of Transportation grants will fund infrastructure and passenger service improvements.

“In Northwest Washington we know that ferries are a critical part of our national transportation system,” Larsen said. “Like too much of our aging infrastructure, our ferry system needs investment. These grants will create jobs and help make sure that folks who rely on ferries are traveling safely and efficiently.”

The details of the grants are as follows:

• Skagit County – $1,200,000 – Guemes Ferry Dolphin Replacement
• San Juan County – $600,000 – Lopez Terminal Trestle Pavement Rehabilitation
• Whatcom County - $400,000 – Gooseberry Point Docking and Mooring Improvements
• Washington state - $900,000 – Replace public announcement and general alarm systems
• Washington state - $700,000 – Create an announcement system using display screens to keep hearing-impaired passengers informed
• Washington state - $2,000,000 – New power assemblies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions for up to seven ferries

Washington ferries will receive more funding in future years thanks to a provision that Larsen successfully included language in the recently enacted transportation bill. More information on that legislation can be found here.

The funds come through the Department of Transportation’s Ferry Boat Discretionary Program. For more information on the program, visit https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/discretionary/fbd2012info.htm.