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Each January, there is a special edition recapping the previous year. View the 2023 Year in Review (PDF 4.7MB).

Here is the latest edition of the WSF Weekly Update:

May 2, 2024

A message from Steve

A lot of maritime organizations I’ve worked for typically outsource much of their more complex maintenance projects to external vendors. While this is true for us in some cases, most preservation work is done at our Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility. The Bainbridge Island shipyard is home to 10 trade shops and more than 100 employees. They are vital in providing preventive maintenance and emergency repairs on a fleet of 21 vessels and 20 terminals.

Many of our ferries are over 30 years old, with our oldest, Tillikum, dating back to 1959. A ship’s average lifespan is 25-30 years, beyond which many original components become obsolete and spare parts scarce. So, it’s truly remarkable that our team at Eagle Harbor, along with our engine room crews, keep our boats running for the communities that depend on them. As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, I extend my gratitude to these individuals, and all my devoted co-workers at WSF who proudly serve the public.

Visit to Friday Harbor with the governor

I joined Gov. Jay Inslee on a visit to the San Juan Islands on Monday. In Friday Harbor we met with representatives from San Juan County, Friday Harbor Town Council, Washington State Transportation Commission, the county’s Ferry Advisory Committee and the Anacortes/San Juan Islands Schedule Update Task Force. We discussed the unique considerations of service on our Anacortes/San Juan Islands route and the importance of building new hybrid-electric ferries as quickly as possible. We recognize the vital importance of our service to the residents of the San Juan Islands, and we remain committed to working tirelessly to ensure stable service to these communities, day and night.

Public Service Recognition Week

Next week is Public Service Recognition Week, when we honor the women and men who serve our nation as federal, state, county and local government employees. The Office of Financial Management coordinates our Washington state celebration. I would like to recognize and thank all our employees who work hard to provide safe ferry service to millions of riders each year. Running the largest ferry system in the country takes dedication and skill. I am very proud of our team.

New operations director

As soon as I accepted the job as assistant secretary, the search was on for my replacement as director of operations. Beth Stowell moved into that role permanently yesterday following a competitive national recruiting process. She had been serving as operations director on an interim basis the past two months. Beth joined WSF as an entry-level deckhand in 1996 and worked her way up to captain and then port captain, before taking a six-year hiatus to raise her family. Beth returned last year and has demonstrated her ability to serve as a capable, strong leader focused on advancing recruitment and positive culture change. Congratulations to Beth.

Bainbridge terminal overhead loading closures

Work is ramping up on the final elements of our new overhead walkway at Bainbridge terminal. Plan for possible boarding and offloading delays over the next few months as all walk-on passengers will occasionally load and unload via the car deck. Sometime between mid-May and mid-June, the overhead walkway will close for two full days so crews can replace the moveable part of the walkway that raises and lowers to link up with the ferry. Stay tuned as we’re reviewing historical ridership and upcoming events to select dates that will have the least disruption. Until then, all walk-on passengers will load and unload via the car deck for only a few early morning and late evening sailings.

New café opens inside Bainbridge terminal building

Commuter Comforts has expanded at our Bainbridge terminal. The longtime outdoor coffee stand recently opened a new indoor café and bar inside the passenger building. This second location is designed to be more than just a morning stop, offering an expanded menu with hand-crafted cocktails, local beers and wines.

Reminder: Fauntleroy terminal replacement project virtual community meetings next week

We’re hosting two virtual meetings next week for the public to learn more about our Fauntleroy terminal replacement project. Both meetings will include the same information as our online open house on terminal alternatives, an overview of the project timeline and a chance for attendees to share questions and input. Advance registration is required for the 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, and noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, meetings. The online open house is available through Friday, May 24.

Boating season opens this Saturday, May 4

We’ll be sharing the water with many more mariners starting Saturday, May 4, the Opening Day of Boating Season. Now is a good time to remind our fellow seafarers to freshen up on their boating safety, rules and regulations, and to please give large vessels like our ferries plenty of space to maneuver.

Customer kudos

“RAVE to the Kittitas ferry deck crew that sprinted to my stalled truck and jump-started it, rivaling the speed of an Indy pit crew!”

-Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route customer in The Seattle Times

Steve Nevey
Assistant Secretary, WSDOT/Ferries Division