Date:  Monday, October 19, 2009

Contact: Al Gilson, Communications Manager
WSDOT Eastern Region
2714 N. Mayfair
Spokane, WA  99207
(509)324-6015
gilsona@wsdot.wa.gov

The Keller Ferry service across the Columbia River on State Route 21 will resume later this morning. It’s expected to be operational by noon.

Hull repairs have been completed by WSDOT crews then inspected by U.S. Coast Guard officials. The Coast Guard approved the vessel to return to service.

During routine repair work last week, a pinhole leak was discovered on the hull of the Martha S. and water was seeping into the hull interior. WSDOT crews advised the U.S. Coast Guard and the boat was removed from service.

The vessel was pulled out of the water at the drydock facility near Grand Coulee Dam and repairs were made. As part of the work, a section of hull was removed and a new steel plate was welded into place then painted. The costs for the repairs are not yet finalized but estimates are in the range of 23 to 28 thousand dollars.

The Martha S. began service on the Columbia River in September 1948. The boat operates 18 hours per day, making the nearly two-mile crossing in about 15 minutes. The route is the only non-mountain pass, State highway access to Ferry County and the Town of Republic.

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