OLYMPIA — State legislators Monday took their first step on the path to building new vehicle ferries for the Keystone-Port Townsend run.
The Senate Transportation Committee considered legislation authorizing building up to three vessels to replace the Steel Electric-class boats pulled off the route in November.
Senators held a hearing on Senate Bill 6794, which requires these boats to be built in Washington and carry no more than 100 vehicles.
It is expected the first boat built will be a Steilacoom II-class ferry capable of carrying 54 vehicles. This will be slightly modified version of what is now used in Pierce County.
The state is now leasing one of the Steilacoom-style vessels from Pierce County in hopes of resuming auto-ferry service on the run in February. Before the leased boat is deployed, some alterations will be made to it. The craft will then undergo U.S. Coast Guard-monitored sea trials.
State Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond said bids for a new boat will go out Feb. 15 and a contract awarded in mid-March, assuming the Legislature approves the funding. If it goes as planned, a new boat could be ready in April 2009.
Gov. Christine Gregoire is proposing $100 million be shifted from other projects to pay for the new ferries.
“We’re all very focused on getting this boat built,” Hammond said.
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