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04/26/2009: "Governor Receptive To SJC Ferry Needs"

(Councilman Rosenfeld -4th from L- meets with Governor & others -contributed photo)

San Juan County Council Member Howard Rosenfeld presented a letter from the San Juan County Council at a Tuesday meeting with Governor Christine Gregoire, Department of Transportation officials and a group that included area legislators, elected officials and involved citizens.

The meeting was set up by ferry activist Debbi Lester of Bainbridge Island to push for the accelerated construction for a 144-car along with the 64 car ferry that has already been given priority.


According to Rosenfeld, the Governor expressed her support, but said the final decision will be made very soon by the legislature. San Juan County’s letter also expressed concern about plans to discontinue the Sidney ferry run in 2010 â€" the years of the Olympics will be held in Vancouver. Rosenfeld said that she deferred dealing what issue until after April 26, when the state constitution requires the legislature to adjourn its regular session.

On the issue of fares, she said that she expected the final legislation will include an increase much lower than Transportation Commission’s initial recommendation of 5-6%, but it may not be as low as the 2.5% increase she has supported.

Rosenfeld called the meeting “very helpful,� and said that he left the meeting feeling positive about the Governor’s continued involvement and support.