RES 2011-03 RATIFYING PRIORITIES REGARDING WSFRESOLUTION NO. 2011-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON
RATIFYING PRIORITIES REGARDING THE WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is the largest ferry system in the world carrying over 10 million
cars and 23 million passengers annually;
WHEREAS, the Washington State Ferries fleet of 20 auto -passenger ferries operates 20 terminals on 9
marine highway routes covering over 200 marine highway miles with 450 trips a day;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is part of the state highway network, serving directly nine
counties, twenty cities, and two countries;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries provides critical links between urban areas on the east side of
Puget Sound and growing rural communities on the Kitsap and Olympic peninsulas and the San Juan Islands;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries provides the only practical link for vehicles - personal and
commercial - to the mainland for our neighbors to the north in the San Juan Islands and to the south on Vashon
Island;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries are the primary mover of freight and goods especially
constructed to accommodate commercial vehicles;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is an important link in the region's multi -modal connections
providing priority loading for freight, bicycles, vanpools, and carpools;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries also provides park and ride lots at ferry terminals and integrates
schedules with its transit partners: Kitsap Transit, King County Metro Bus, Pierce County Transit, and Sound
Transit;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is a major tourist attraction and icon of Washington State,
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is the gateway to the Olympic Peninsula, San Juan Islands, and
British Columbia;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is part of the region's emergency preparedness plan as when
overpasses fail, bridges fall, roads are closed—the boats still float;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries vessels are planned to become floating hospitals in severe
emergencies;
WHEREAS, Washington State Ferries is a long-term top priority for citizens of Bainbridge Island;
WHEREAS, the Bainbridge/Seattle route has historically had farebox recovery rate exceeding 100%;
WHEREAS, the Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council unanimously passed the following
priorities regarding Washington State Ferries:
1. The Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council's top priority is no cuts in service.
2. The Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council advocates for the construction after the
third 64 -car ferry is completed to build two 144 -car ferries.
3. The Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council's legislative priority for the upcoming
session is for a dedicated, ongoing, funding source for Washington State Ferries capital construction and
operating costs.
4. The Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council final priority is to maintaiii reasonable
fares, 2.5% annual fare increase is acceptable.
Bainbridge Island City Council supports these Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council priorities as well
as requests the implementation of appropriate recommendations (efficiencies, cost savings, and revenue
generators) presented by the Washington State Ferries Long Range Plan, the Washington State Transportation
Commission Long Term Ferry Funding Report, and the Passenger Vessel Association Report, before
considering further service cuts and fare increases.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Bainbridge Island hereby ratifies
and agrees with the four priorities of the Ferry Advisory Committee Executive Council.
PASSED by the City Council this 26th day of January, 2011
APPROVED by the Mayor this 26th day of January, 2011
Kirsten Hytopoulos, Mayor
a�-
Rosalind D. Lassoff
City Clerk
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: January 21, 2011
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: January 26, 2011
RESOLUTION NO. 2011-03