Clark told WSF director Moseley that the Anacortes-to-Sidney, BC ferry run, which would be cut under Plan B, generates $4.6 million in tax revenues a year. “The Sidney run is sustainable... it does carry its own weight,” Clark said.
Moseley came to Fidalgo Center Thursday night to hear what the public here had to say about two alternative long-range plans for the ferry system.
The ferry system's Plan A calls for the acquisition of 10 new vessels over the next 20 years and would make capital investments in land transit programs at selected terminals to encourage walk-on ferry ridership.
Plan B calls for the purchase of just five new vessels, the elimination of the Anacortes-to-Sidney ferry route, and removal of that boat from domestic service. It also assumes that some of the reduction in capacity would be absorbed by passenger ferries operated by local entities rather than the state.
Mayor Dean Maxwell expressed the feelings of many people. “To say I’m disappointed is an understatement.” “Even more disappointing,” he said, “is that Plan B is the Governor’s choice.” He thought it ironic that the Governor is proposing a stimulus plan while proposing cutting the Sidney run, which could affect as many as 1,500 jobs.
New Skagit County Commissioner Ron Wesen said “You need to look at the whole picture when making decisions about the ferry system.”
City Council member Cynthia Richardson followed up, saying “I wonder who’s looking at the big picture here.” She said the ferry system can’t be viewed by itself, adding “There is an economic pool of money in other places that needs to be shared with the ferry system.”
And, she pointed out that there are five international border crossing points in Washington, only one of which involves the ferry. She asked “Do you think anyone comments when they cross the border at Oroville?”
Don Wick, the head of the Economic Development Association of Skagit County pointed out that there are more than six-million people within 100 miles of Anacortes. “This ferry run is a plus for the state.”
Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Mitch Everton told Moseley that “Its not clear that a reduction of the Sidney run will reduce taxes.” He said “The impact on tourism would be tremendous.” He said the ferry system is a victim of “benign neglect.”
After more than hour of testimony, ferry director Moseley told the audience “I would love nothing more than to continue the same level of service, but I need to recognize our economic situation.” He said “Plan B affects many routes and I’m well aware that the one route most affected is here in the islands.”
Moseley said the problem isn't the operating costs, but rather that there's no money to build new boats for the ferry system.
The situation is that the state is facing an estimated $9 billion projected shortfall unless cuts are made. One of those cuts proposed by the Governor is the Anacortes-to-Sidney ferry run. The issue will end up being settled in the state legislature, which opened this year's session on Monday. Legislators from our area are opposed to cutting the Sidney ferry run.