News Briefs | May 2 edition

VIFR board vacancy, and Fauntleroy dock replacement project.

May 1, 2024 1:30 am
Two of the four lanes on the Southworth dock will close for three weeks beginning in mid-May. Crews will replace the wooden decking of the walkway running along the south side of the pier. (Washington State Ferries Photo).
Two of the four lanes on the Southworth dock will close for three weeks beginning in mid-May. Crews will replace the wooden decking of the walkway running along the south side of the pier. (Washington State Ferries Photo).

VIFR board spot

Vashon Island Fire & Rescue has a vacancy for a fire commissioner, as Camille Staczek has resigned from the board.

Staczek’s departure, she said at a board meeting last week, was due to a family matter. Staczek, elected for two terms of office, had served on the fire board for almost 11 years.

At the meeting on Feb. 24, the board accepted her resignation, with commissioners and Fire Chief Matt Vinci thanking her for her years of service.

Island applicants who are registered voters can submit a letter of interest with their address and phone number to administration@vifr.org before the close of business on May 10.

Fauntleroy dock

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will host two virtual public meetings and an online open house for commuters to learn more about WSF’s Fauntleroy terminal replacement project. Registration is required for the meetings, which will take place at 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, and 12 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8. The online open house is open now through Friday, May 24.

Learn more about the terminal project at tinyurl.com/2bsx89kk; register for the virtual public meetings and learn more about the open house here. Email questions and comments to FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov.

Along with restoring ferry service on the Triangle route, the future of the aging Fauntleroy dock is crucial for Vashon residents, who rely on it to access the Seattle area.

Southworth dock

Meanwhile across the water, the Southworth ferry terminal construction process will reduce space on that dock in May, according to WSDOT.

Two of the four lanes on the Southworth dock will close for three weeks beginning in mid-May. Crews will replace the wooden decking of the walkway running along the south side of the pier.

The decking is “badly in need of repair,” according to WSF, and must be repaired before the busy summer travel season. After the walkway is reopened, crews will replace a leaky roof on the terminal building.

Travelers should prepare for delays on the Triangle route, and oversized Vashon-bound vehicles that require the completion of a travel request form will not be able to travel out of Southworth, according to WSF.

Summer rates kick in May 1

Starting Monday, May 1, the peak season surcharge goes into effect for vehicle-and-driver fares, according to WSF. This change does not affect passenger fares and multiride products. The surcharge lasts through Sept. 30.