ANACORTES, Wash. — The Elwha ferry will be retired from service if the state Legislature cuts funding for it, a move that would impact the Anacortes to Sidney, British Columbia, route and further strain the Washington State Ferries system.
The Skagit Valley Herald reports Gov. Jay Inslee's supplemental budget does not include funding to operate the 52-year-old Elwha, which is out of service and in need of repairs, said State Ferries spokesperson Ian Sterling.
If the Elwha is retired, the only ferry certified to make the international crossing would be the Chelan.
Losing the Elwha would leave State Ferries with 21 boats in its fleet.
Sterling said while the ferry system needs 19 to operate its summer routes, at least two ferries are out for maintenance at any given time, and breakdowns and incidents such as crab pot entanglements take boats out of service.
He said the state has funded a new vessel -- a hybrid-electric ferry -- but it is not expected to be in service until 2023.
More news from KIRO 7
- Olympia woman tests positive for coronavirus after Diamond Princess cruise
- Man performs risky rescue to save dogs stuck on Point Defiance cliff
- Maple Valley woman found dead in her home after missing hair salon appointment
- Man accused of killing, dismembering Auburn man
- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
© 2020 Cox Media Group
