Brief Description: Addressing ferry vessel and terminal planning.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Swecker, Spanel, Jacobsen, Marr, Kilmer, Rockefeller and Shin).

Senate Committee on Transportation
House Committee on Transportation

Background: In the 2006 transportation budget, the Joint Transportation Committee (JTC) was directed to conduct a study of the Washington State Ferries (WSF). The study was to facilitate legislative policy discussions and decisions regarding WSF. In 2007 the Legislature passed ESHB 2358 (C 512 L 07), which implemented the recommendations of that study. Phase Two of the JTC study was continued in the 2007 transportation budget. The Transportation Commission is directed to adopt the WSF capital plan.

Summary: Recommendations from the 2007 JTC ferry study are implemented. The Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is directed to develop and maintain a vessel rebuild and replacement plan which must be included in the department's capital plan, along with a vessel preservation plan, a vessel deployment plan, and a terminal preservation plan. WSDOT is also directed to develop and maintain a vessel maintenance and preservation program, which must include, at a minimum, certain activities, efficiencies by reducing dry-docking times, and reporting requirements. The life-cycle cost model must be the basis for developing the department's preservation budget request. Emergency budgets may not be used for planned vessel maintenance and inspections. When considering acquiring new vessels, WSDOT must evaluate operating costs related to fuel efficiency and staffing. The Transportation Commission is no longer directed to adopt the WSF capital plan, but rather to review it and report to the transportation committees of the Legislature.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      49   0
House      96   0   (House amended)
Senate      48   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008