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WSF budget boosted to about $1.47 billion; capital and operating increases fund hires and vessel work
Summary
Officials outlined a roughly $1.47 billion enacted budget split between operating and capital that increases funding for crew positions, training, vessel preservation and the hybrid vessel program.
Washington State Ferries outlined the agency's recently enacted budget and how officials intend to use the funds to address staffing, preservation and vessel construction needs.
Todd Lanphier, director of finance and administration, said the enacted budget totals roughly $1.47 billion split into operating and capital categories. "The operating program totals $770,000,000," he said, and the capital program provides nearly $700,000,000 for vessel construction, conversion, charging infrastructure and preservation. Lanphier said the package represents an increase of about $194,000,000 from the previously enacted budget.
The operating funds will support additional crew and dispatch staffing, training programs (including AB‑to‑mate development and engine wiper‑to‑oiler promotion tracks), and continued service for some passenger‑only routes and shuttles. Capital funds begin the five‑vessel hybrid construction program, support conversions of three jumbo Mark II ferries to hybrid propulsion and build charging infrastructure at terminals, though officials said terminal construction will lag vessel delivery.
Lanphier cautioned that capital work takes several years and is not expected to be completed within the current biennium.
