Ferries, VCC, may receive state funds
Published 1:30 am Tuesday, February 27, 2018
The State Senate passed its supplemental capital and transportation budgets last Friday, proposing that funds be allocated for the state ferry system and Vashon Community Care.
The Senate’s $9.3 billion transportation spending plan for 2018 includes $75,000 to fund a study of how to improve loading procedures at the Fauntleroy dock in West Seattle, an issue that has stirred upset on Vashon. The study would be conducted by the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, according to a press release from Senate Democrats.
The budget proposal would also allocate $25,000 for an additional officer to help with traffic control at the Fauntleroy dock.
The Senate’s $335 million supplemental capital budget includes $230,000 for a full capacity generator for Vashon Community Care.
The House must vote on its version of the two budgets, and the House and Senate must vote on reconciled versions by March 8, the scheduled end of the session. While the process is not yet complete, Alicia Dickson, a spokesperson for Sen. Sharon Nelson, D-Maury Island, said the ferry funding looks promising, as the House has also included it in its version of the operating budget.
“With this new funding, the Legislature is working to improve the lives of Washingtonians,” Nelson, the Senate majority leader, said in a news release. “Ferries and parks are important aspects of life in the 34th District, and these budgets recognize that.”
— Susan Riemer
