10/23/2007: "Tourism Spending Down, Ferry Fares Up"

SJC Ferry Advisory Committee chairman Alex MacLeod had come to the County Council at the beginning of the month to request they take a leadership role on ferry issues . and on Monday (10-22-07) he was back with a proposed “Ferry-Related Goals For San Juan County”. (Draft goals can be found at the end of the story)

He found a warm reception for some of the ideas once the Council settled down and had a chance to review them. The key to implementing any of them he said, was “funding”. In order for the County to have an impact and an influence on ferry fares and schedules, it is necessary to be an active part of the decision process; and that means there needs to be someone representing San Juan County at meetings; even if it is only for the purpose of taking notes and reporting back.

MacLeod report pointed out that “tourism spending in the county increased less than 1 % 2000-2005, while tourism spending statewide increased nearly 8.4%”

The Council decided that what they need is a citizens committee, a “Task Force”, comprised of representatives from the business community, and those involved in the promotion, and the economics, of the county.

It was suggested that some of the organizations that should be represented on a task force are the Visitor Bureau, the Economic Development Council, representatives from the Town and the County, and one or two members at large from the business community. Councilman Knapp said that "smaller is better" in terms of how big the task force should be, but expressed a concern that it not be "weighted', and that the suggested make up was weighed.

Councilman Lichter, who suggested a task force be appointed, and agreed to be the Councils “point person”, acknowledged questions from the Island Guardian that there are some in the community who do not what additional ferry service, due to concerns that promotion of the islands can have negative impacts.

Councilman Gene Knapp recalled that years ago when a jumbo ferry was built for, and sent to San Juan County, there was such an out-cry that it was removed from service here. Councilman Howard Rosenfeld said that “we are fighting to not loss what we already have, and to keep the fares low.”

Councilman Myhr asked “what is the purpose of the task force?” It was agreed it would coordinate lobbying efforts and take the lead in forming strategies. There was some discussion of doing an economic analysis that would show how important ferry ridership was, to not only SJC, but to the State as well.

There was also agreement that the council should obtain a legal opinion on what options may be legally available to the County that may be helpful in dealing with the State on ferry issues. There was consensus that whatever the council decides to ultimately do, the current Ferry Advisory Committee will continue it’s traditional role in advising the Council on ferry related issues.

PROPOSED FERRY-RELATED GOALS FOR SAN JUAN COUNTY

1. Secure a predictable source of state funding adequate to provide for agreed-upon long-term capital needs and a portion of ongoing operating expenses sufficient to maintain system wide fare box revenues at no more than 70% of annual operating expenses.

2. Have San Juan County's unique and total dependence on state ferry service codified in state statute. Include statutory requirement that service levels, tariff policies and capital investments that reflect this unique dependence and Washington State Ferries as the county's sole link to the state highway system.

3. Have an integral role in the development of the long-range service and capital plan for the San Juan domestic travel shed, as well as the long-range financial plan to support it. Require an economic-impact plan as part of that long-range planning process.

4. Build county relationships with the Governor, legislators (especially the ranking members of the Legislative Transportation Committee), members of the state Transportation Commission, the new Secretary of the state Department of Transportation and Washington State Ferries senior management to further the above goals.

1. Given the unique dependence of the county on ferry service as an extension of the state highway system, ask the prosecutor for a legal brief on the state's responsibilities to San Juan County based on current law.

2. Fund county leadership role to monitor and/or participate directly in all ongoing processes related to recent ferry legislation. These include the Transportation Commission's market study group and long-range funding study; the legislature's Joint Transportation Committee's ferry study group; the ferry "summit" Dec. 7 at Bremerton, and Washington State Ferries various related work groups. (See Goal 4 above.) Also to chair Task Force below.

3. Establish a San Juan County Ferry Task Force to support county government's commitment. Membership should include representation from the Council, the Ferry Advisory Committee, the San Juan County Economic Development Council, the Town of Friday Harbor and tourist and business organizations on San Juan, Orcas and Lopez island.

4. Recognize that last spring's 2.5% general fare increase was inadequate to keep up with the increase in WSF operating expenses. That will lead to a supplemental budget request in the coming legislative session. Develop a county position that is mindful of long-term goals as well as short-term impacts.

5. Anticipate the bid to construct four new ferries will greatly exceed previously approved state funding. Develop a county position that supports county's long-term goals. Include in that consideration the likely benefits of opening ferry construction to shipyards outside Washington state. Insist that all new ferries are capable of running on biodiesel.