Haugen’s comments came on state Democrat Senate Caucus Web site. “Whatever you may have heard about Washington State Ferries’ (WSF) Draft Long-Range Plan or a reservation system for the Clinton/Mukilteo route, I can make you one guarantee — it’s not a done deal.”
The WSF draft long range plan offered two alternatives. Plan A, as they called it, would keep the system running at the same levels it is now, but with a deficit forecast at more than $3 billion over the next 20 years. Plan B would cut back routes and service, but would still incur a deficit of more than $1 billion over the next 20 years.
Of particular interest here, Plan B would eliminate the Anacortes-to-Sidney, BC, ferry run entirely. That cut is also in Governor Gregoire’s budget request for the coming fiscal year.
Noting the prospect of cutting routes, Haugen wrote “I can assure you that I plan on doing everything in my power to ensure that that doesn’t happen on my watch.”
Haugen said there is no such thing as a “done deal” until votes are counted and a bill signed into law. “It’s called a “draft” for a reason — it’s preliminary, and it has a long way to go before any of it becomes a reality.”
Her comments appear to come, at least in part, in reaction to rumors suggesting she has voted in favor of a reservation system, which isn’t true. She pointed out that there hasn’t been any legislation drafted concerning a reservation system.
Resources
- Read the full text at Mary Margaret Haugen's Blog.
- Washington State Ferries draft long range plan
- Anacortes' Save Our Ferry Web site