Council advances emergency ferry-response work; staff to issue RFPs and explore short-term service contracts

San Juan County staff told the council they will move forward with draft requests for proposals for emergency rapid-response inter-island passenger services and explore short-term service contracts to keep voyages running while the formal RFP process proceeds.

The discussion followed public comment urging passenger-only ferry service and a detailed briefing from Health and Community Services and county management on options for obligating Department of Commerce emergency funds. Mark Tompkins, the county’s health and community services director, said staff will draft scopes of work that could be used to create service contracts with local operators so the county can support providers now rather than rely solely on a longer RFP procurement.

Public commenter Toby Cooper of ORCUS told the council earlier that a passenger-only ferry that mirrors the Washington State Ferries schedule could reduce car-based travel to the islands and support commuters and visitors. "If the passenger-only ferries are done right with nimble fast boats...it could change my life," Cooper said during public comment.

Council and staff discussed two parallel tracks: (1) the short-term use of service contracts and transportation-voucher funds to maintain inter-island emergency and supplemental passenger services, and (2) the RFPs for a broader pilot program to test passenger-only service models. Jessica Hudson, county manager, said staff remain on track to release the draft RFPs in mid-February and invited council input on technical requirements.

Todd Nicholson, director of the Port of Friday Harbor, told the council the port could help if the RFP process stalls. He suggested options ranging from contracting through the port to obligate funds quickly, to blending county funds with a port electrification grant to purchase a 20-passenger electric passenger ferry and charging infrastructure and then issuing an operator RFP. "If we get the funding for that grant...your funds together with port funds could come up with a 20‑passenger, electric ferry with a charging network," Nicholson said.

Council members emphasized safety, data collection and inclusion of disabled passengers in planning. Council member Fuller asked that RFPs require clear reporting on ridership and demographic data to evaluate the pilot; she also urged technical provisions covering minors and passengers with disabilities. Several members asked staff to coordinate with port partners and utility experts to ensure terminal compatibility and charging if electric vessels are pursued.

Staff said they will also pursue service contracts to compensate providers who have been reimbursed through a county transportation voucher program and to bridge any gap before RFP award. The county asked the port to be available as a partner if rapid obligations or infrastructure support are needed.

Ending: Staff plan to release draft RFPs in mid-February, pursue short-term service contracts to maintain service now, and continue coordination with the Port of Friday Harbor; staff asked for council input on RFP technical specifications and promised to return with a procurement timeline and reporting plan.