San Juan County hears state budget outlook; council coordinates testimony on Mosquito Fleet Act

Josh, a legislative staff member, briefed the San Juan County Council on the status of the 2025 Washington Legislature and transportation funding, and councilmembers discussed who should testify in support of the Mosquito Fleet Act. "We have 41 days left," Josh said, describing the schedule for policy committee deadlines and the imminent release of house and senate budget proposals.

Josh told the council the house transportation budget would likely be written with no new revenue and would therefore cut or delay projects, while the senate version may include a revenue bill and look better for ferry funding. He urged the council to consider testifying in hearings next Monday and Tuesday if local priorities appear in either chamber's transportation budget and offered to testify on the county's behalf.

Councilmembers weighed public testimony on House Bill 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act. Councilmember Paulson said she planned to testify and listed key points she intended to make, including protective measures for southern resident killer whales and the act's potential for nimble, small‑vessel service as a partial stopgap to Washington State Ferries fleet needs. Councilmember Fuller said she and Paulson had been contacted by Representative Nance and Victoria Compton of the EDC and that she planned to present complementary testimony highlighting local pilot projects and recent county work on passenger‑only service.

Council discussion emphasized strategic messaging. Josh recommended reserving public criticism until the final budget language is clear, suggesting the county "stay silent publicly and work very hard behind the scenes" if the proposals do not include the county's priorities. Councilmembers agreed it would be useful to have a draft follow‑up letter ready early next week that could be adjusted depending on the budgets' specifics.

Why it matters: The county is seeking continued funding for inner‑island ferry service and a third shift on the Anacortes run; any changes to transportation revenue at the state level could directly affect local service levels. Councilmembers also noted the Mosquito Fleet Act has broad Salish Sea support and could create new options for local ferry or passenger‑only transit.

Looking ahead: Josh said he would circulate budget details as soon as they publish next week and coordinate with the council on whether to testify or send written letters.