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Council adds passenger‑ferry project to Des Moines Transportation Improvement Plan
Summary
The council voted to insert ‘Des Moines passenger ferry service’ into the 2026–2045 TIP (priority 35) to position the city for regional partnerships and future grants; the resolution passed with one dissenting vote, and staff said no expenditures are currently identified.
The Des Moines City Council adopted Resolution 25‑114 on Dec. 4 to amend the city's 2026–2045 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) by adding a Des Moines passenger‑ferry project at priority 35. City Engineer Tommy Owen told council the entry is intended to position Des Moines for future partnerships and grant opportunities should passenger‑only ferry service that connects Des Moines become viable; it does not commit the city to a construction budget at this time.
Owen said expenditures are presently unknown and that the city expects any regular operation or capital investment would likely be financially supported and operated by King County Metro or other regional partners. Council members asked whether inclusion in the TIP limits eligibility to King County funding (staff said the entry opens the door to multiple funding sources) and whether listing a Des Moines route excludes broader regional ferry concepts (staff: the TIP entry reflects Des Moines projects; it is not a statement against other jurisdictions’ routes).
The vote to adopt the TIP amendment passed with the majority of council; Council Member Harris cast the lone opposing vote, expressing a preference for prioritizing East–West last‑mile connectivity and light‑rail access over pursuing passenger ferry service as a transportation investment. The resolution places Des Moines on the long‑range list for federal, state or regional grant consideration as opportunities arise.
