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Edmonds council approves letters supporting hybrid-electric ferries; some members express cost concerns
Summary
The Edmonds City Council approved state and federal letters supporting reliable ferry service and building hybrid-electric ferries. The motion passed with recorded division among members; some councilors urged caution about conversion costs and technical details.
The Edmonds City Council voted on March 4 to approve two letters — one to the state delegation and one to the federal delegation — supporting reliable, sustainable ferry service and the construction of hybrid-electric ferries.
Council member Payne presented the letters and summarized materials from the Puget Sound Regional Council and ferry advocates. The proposed letters urge continued funding for ferry reliability and support building five new hybrid-electric ferries and funding to build one additional hybrid ferry per year.
Council President Tibbitt said she supports addressing climate impacts but cautioned she did not have sufficient technical information about hybrid-ferry technology and its costs, asking whether converting existing vessels or buying new hybrid craft is justified. She said, “I don't know much about that technology. It sounds like a good idea, but, but I also have wondered about the the justification of the expense of that technology.”
Supporters said hybrid and electric ferries have been used in Europe and would reduce carbon emissions from an aging fleet. One council member noted federal procurement rules that require buying from U.S. shipbuilders for certain contracts, information presented to the council as background for the letters.
Council members voted to approve the letters. The clerk recorded a division in votes during discussion: three votes in favor, two opposed and one abstention; staff and council indicated the motion passed and the letters will be submitted as the Edmonds City Council's position.
Several council members said they supported the overall goal of reliable, greener ferry service while asking staff and regional partners for more technical and cost information before larger procurement commitments are made.
