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August 7th, 2012

Skagit County receives $1.2 million for Guemes ferry improvements

SKAGIT COUNTY -The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Skagit County $1.2 million to replace worn guide structures at the Anacortes dock of the Guemes Island Ferry system.

These guide structures, called "dolphins," stand at the mouth of the Anacortes ferry dock and help guide the ferry into position. The dolphins are rubber-coated piles of creosote-treated wood. As the dolphins are damaged by time and use, they can release toxic compounds into the water. Skagit County has already replaced many of the dolphins near both docks. This grant will replace the last five dolphins in the ferry system with steel, removing a toxic source of pollution to Puget Sound, creating jobs, and supporting the American steel industry.

"In Northwest Washington we know that ferries are a critical part of our national transportation system," said Congressman Rick Larsen. "Like too much of our aging infrastructure, our ferry system needs investment. These grants will create jobs and help make sure that folks who rely on ferries are traveling safely and efficiently."

This project follows successful construction of a new terminal on Guemes Island and dock rehabilitation on both sides of the water, the latter of which was selected as the national Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association. By replacing the remaining dolphins, the county is moving toward having one of the newest complete ferry operations in the state.
Support at the state level, hard work by Skagit County Public Works staff, and better documentation of ferry system needs helped the county receive all the grant funding it asked for this year, said Skagit County Public Works Director Henry Hash.

"We appreciate Congressman Larsen's office for their help," Hash said "We are fortunate that they value what we do and continue to help fund important work."
Funding came from the Department of Transportation's Ferry Boat Discretionary Program, which supports ferry boat and terminal construction. Washington State received $5.8 million to improve infrastructure and passenger service on northwest ferries. Skagit County received the second highest amount of funding in the state, and is providing a 20 percent match of $300,000 from county Road Funds to complete the project.

The dolphin replacement project will not interrupt ferry service and is expected to be complete in 2013.