Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Transportation Committee |
HB 2230
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Renaming the Washington state ferries the Washington state marine highway system.
Sponsors: Representatives Angel, Seaquist, Finn, Nelson, Dammeier, Walsh, Anderson, Bailey and Smith.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/10
Staff: Debbie Driver (786-7143).
Background:
Ferry service in the Puget Sound area dates back to the early 1900's. In 1935 the privately run Puget Sound Navigation Company was the primary provider of ferry service for the Puget Sound region. After World War II, increasing labor costs made the private operation of the ferry system difficult and Puget Sound Navigation halted service in 1951. In that same year, Washington purchased the terminals and vessels owned by Puget Sound Navigation. Since then, the Washington State Ferries have been managed by the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).
Today, the Washington State Ferry system is the largest automobile and passenger ferry service provider in the nation. Currently, the system includes 22 vessels that serve 20 terminals and 9 routes. In 2009 the Washington State Ferry System, which is part of the highway network system in western Washington, carried more than 22 million customers.
Summary of Bill:
The Washington State Ferries is renamed the "Washington State Marine Highway System." The WSDOT must change all public materials and references used by the WSDOT in operation of the ferry system to reflect the name change by January 1, 2010.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.