Date:  Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Contact: Joy Goldenberg, WSDOT Ferries Division, 206-515-3411
Alex Glass, Office of U.S. Senator Patty Murray, 202-236-1671
Amanda Mahnke, Office of U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, 202-420-8356

SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) invites the media to a press conference with U.S. Senator Patty Murray and U.S. Representative Rick Larsen on Wed., July 1, at 9:30 a.m. at Colman Dock in Seattle on the U.S. Ferry Systems Investment Act of 2009. This bill would dramatically increase federal support for the WSDOT Ferries Division (WSF) by investing $200 million a year in funding for ferry systems across the country starting in fiscal year 2010, and running through fiscal year 2015.

This bill would help support WSF’s nearly 23 million annual riders that use the system’s 22 vessels, 20 terminals and 200 miles of marine highway.

“Our ferry system is a transportation priority in the state of Washington and it’s time that it be seen that way at the federal level as well,” said Sen. Patty Murray. “That’s why Representative Larsen and I are working for increased funding that will improve our ferry system and boost our economy by creating jobs, increasing productivity and making investments in long-term economic growth.”

“Ferries connect communities to keep our economy moving,” said Rep. Larsen, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “For thousands of my constituents, ferries offer the only practical way to get to work and return home. Senator Murray and I are working to strengthen investments in ferries to create jobs, invest in public safety and make our local economy stronger for the future.”

The funding would be divided into two parts. Half of the money ($100 million a year) would be distributed according to factors such as how many passengers use the ferry system each year, how many vehicles are carried, and how many total miles the routes contain. The other half ($100 million a year) would be distributed at the discretion of the U.S. Secretary of Transportation using a competitive process.

“The federal government rightfully invests in roads, bridges and rail,” said David Moseley, Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries. “I’m glad that Senator Murray and Representative Larsen are pushing this critical investment in our ferries, because they are our maritime highways and our bridges across the water.”

WHO:

• U.S. Senator Patty Murray
• U.S. Representative Rick Larsen
• Washington State Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond
• Assistant Secretary for Washington State Ferries David Moseley

WHERE:

• Colman Dock, 801 Alaskan Way (Pier 52), Seattle

WHEN:

• 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2009

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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