Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recently issuing $1.5 million in emergency and short-term funding to the San Juan Islands to restore critical ferry transportation networks.
A total of $1 million will come from the Department of Commerce’s Emergency Rapid Response program, and the remaining $500,000 is from the Governor’s Emergency Fund.
Funding will be used to contract with local barge services, charter businesses and water taxi providers, when the interisland ferry is out of service.
“We have been making steady progress on restoring service throughout our ferry system, but that progress has yet to reach these islands,” Inslee said. “The unique challenges facing the Interisland route are simply untenable and create real risks for residents. Medical emergencies don’t wait until Monday. Parents need to know their children won’t be stranded on another island after school. This funding can serve as a bridge until legislators come up with longer-term funding.”
Washington State Ferries will use the funding to increase Interisland service during weekends in the winter season. This will make it possible for crew members to live in the San Juan Islands year-round.
The Interisland route’s staffing challenges have made it the least reliable route in the system, and has caused serious life and safety issues for island residents and service providers.
The funding is available immediately and WSF anticipates the funding will support the supplemental services through next spring. Continuation will depend on legislators supporting new funding during the 2025 legislative session.