Declares that it is the intent of the legislature that: (1) Final recommendations from the joint transportation committee ferry study, submitted to the legislature during the 2009 regular legislative session, be enacted by the legislature and implemented by the department of transportation as soon as practicable in order to benefit from the efficiencies and cost savings identified in the recommendations; and

(2) The act, the 2009-2011 omnibus transportation appropriations act, and subsequent transportation appropriations acts serve as vehicles for enacting these recommendations in order to maximize the utilization of existing capacity and to make the most efficient use of existing assets and tax dollars.

Declares an intent to make various additional policy changes aimed at further efficiencies and cost savings.

Requires the department of transportation to prioritize vessel preservation and acquisition funding requests over vessel improvement funding requests.

Requires the office of financial management, instead of the marine employees' commission, to complete salary surveys as required in RCW 47.64.220.

Requires the transportation commission to: (1) Ensure that ferry fare changes cover the forecasted cost of fuel;

(2) Before increasing the ferry fare component of fares, ensure that Washington state ferries has considered operational changes that will reduce fuel consumption; and

(3) Before raising ferry fares, give first consideration to raising fare revenues through increased ridership.

Modifies the composition and duties of the ferry advisory councils.