Washington State Ferries

Two small business owners in Pierce County — one Republican one Democrat are running for the Washington state House of Representatives.

Some environmental groups and labor unions say I-2117, which would repeal Washington's Climate Commitment Act, would have a dire impact on the state's ferries system.

Getting around on the ferry is a way of life for those on the San Juan Islands. One resident has been sailing twice per week as she finishes up a manuscript.

Washington State Ferries was supposed to convert the Wenatchee from diesel to hybrid-electric power by late summer 2024. The project is now delayed until the summer of 2025.

Deliveries will begin in 2028 if all goes well. Delays and escalating costs have bedeviled the procurement process up until now.

Plagued by aging vessels and staffing shortages, the state's ferries system has struggled with reliability in recent years. State Rep. Greg Nance has vowed to fix the system.

Bremerton is a ferry ride away from Seattle. The sailing schedule to-and-fro sets the rhythm of life here for coffee baristas, commuters, and Taylor Swift fans.

Economic activity along the waterfront and lower home prices could help define a new era for Bremerton, Washington.

Washington State Ferries is low on vessels and crew. Nowhere is harder hit than the San Juan Islands where one in 20 trips were canceled this summer.

The same day Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited western Washington to highlight federal infrastructure investments in the state's ferry system, canceled sailings reminded residents it may get worse before it gets better.