BILL REQ. #:  H-1850.1 

Read first time 02/12/09.   Referred to Committee on Transportation.

     AN ACT Relating to improving Washington state ferry service by modernizing ferry fleet and organization; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Following more than two years of study plus extensive public input, and noting recent declines in ferry fleet size and material readiness, the legislature finds that the current ferry system is not fully meeting the service requirements of the communities served by this network of "marine highways." The legislature also notes that long-term resource requirements exceed current budget projections. Accordingly, it is the explicit intent of the legislature: To establish the levels of service that amply meet the needs of the communities and statewide economy served by the ferry system; to establish a framework for fleet and service modernization that will support sustained ferry construction; to implement cost-saving efficiencies; and to upgrade organizational effectiveness.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   This act may be known and cited as Washington's marine highway modernization act.