U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) released the following statement today on news that U.S. Senator Patty Murray has secured an additional $7.6 million for Washington state ferry docks and terminals following yesterday’s bizarre announcement from the U.S. Department of Transportation awarding Washington State Ferries one-tenth of one percent of ferry recovery funding:

“I thank Senator Murray for her leadership once again in delivering for Washington state and my district – in particular for the thousands of 2nd District residents who depend on ferries for transportation in their daily lives.

“I was shocked and disappointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)’s decisions announced yesterday which showed a total lack of regard for Washington state residents who depend on the largest ferry system in the country to keep our economy moving.

“I thank Secretary LaHood for recognizing the importance of the Guemes Island Ferry project in Skagit County.  Yet the $750,000 for this county-based system represents .012% of the total amount of money in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s ferry program.  The Washington State Ferry system serves over 23 million riders per year and nearly 11 million vehicles per year, 42% and 77% of nationwide totals, respectively. The math just doesn’t add up.

“The decision announced yesterday borders on deliberate neglect.  I am pleased that Senator Murray’s efforts on our state’s behalf have remedied the problem in the short-term, but we need long-term solutions as well. I demand a full explanation of how this bizarre decision came to be made in the first place.  If they fail to remedy the process that allowed this incredible oversight, there will be future problems for Washington state and our country.”

###