Why do ferries built in state cost more?

Thank you for the article in Monday’s Herald on the cost of ferries built in-state vs. out-of-state.

It’s a good article, but there is one area it does not address. My question is why does it cost so much more to build in Washington?

Is it the legal monopoly the state grants to the one supplier? Of course if outside competition is barred, the local producer can charge any amount they want. Does Washington have unnecessary regulations that push the cost up? Do the unions demand extra work?

I think there is room for an additional article on this subject.

John Carlin

Edmonds