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‘Mosquito Fleet’ bill wins broad local support in committee hearing for passenger‑only ferries
Summary
Lawmakers heard more than 50 in‑person and remote supporters of ESHB 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act, which would expand which local entities can form passenger‑only ferry taxing districts; witnesses said passenger‑only services can be launched faster and more cheaply than vehicle ferries and can relieve pressure on WSF.
OLYMPIA — The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony March 17 on Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1923, the Mosquito Fleet Act, which would broaden which local governments and transit entities may form passenger‑only ferry (PO) taxing districts on Puget Sound and Grays Harbor.
Committee staff Jenna Forti said the current law limits passenger‑only taxing districts to public transportation benefit areas (PTBAs) on the west side of Puget Sound and noted Kitsap Transit is the only existing qualifying PTBA. The bill would add counties, ports, city transit systems, county transportation authorities, metropolitan municipal corporation transits, unincorporated transportation benefit areas and regional transit authorities that border Puget Sound or Grays Harbor. Forti also provided a fiscal note: an estimated one‑time cost to the Department of Revenue of $1.3 million and an ongoing $1.0 million biennial cost to the general fund.
Representative Craig Nance, prime sponsor and Kitsap…
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