County, state to discuss ferry ownership

They're $75,000 questions: Would it be possible for the State of Washington to take over operation of the Wahkiakum County ferry?

And also, how much revenue would a fare increase generate?

County Commissioners Dan Cothren, Blair Brady and Lisa Marsyla agreed Tuesday they want to analyze a fare increase and they want to discuss the concept of state ownership with state officials.

County officials recently discovered a $75,000 shortfall in funds to cover ferry operation.

Washington state subsidizes operations, paying 80 percent up to a certain amount set by the legislature. However, the unprecedented spike in fuel costs in 2008 pushed the total operating cost beyond the state cap, and the county is responsible for the difference.

This has happened before when the ferry has increased scope of operation during periods when SR 4 or US 30 were closed because of natural disasters. The county had to cover the expense and ask the legislature for an extra appropriation to cover the extra expense.

At this point, commissioners said, they're not planning to ask the state to take over the ferry.

"This is just an investigation," Marsyla said. "If we can find a different way of funding it, we should explore that."

"If Wahkiakum County can keep the ferry, that's just fine," Cothren said, "but the state needs to divvy up its part."

Commissioner Brady said he'd be happy to see the county have a "shiny new ferry" and have the state take over operation. The county is in the process of refurbishing the Puget Island landing and designing a new ferry, but Brady said he is "leery of the state taking over before we get the new boat, because the money might go to other projects in Olympia."

He added that he feels the board is committed to maintaining ferry service.

Commissioners also suggested it may be time to increase fares, which haven't been increased in 10 years or longer.

"We need to look at it," Brady said.

The board asked Public Works Director Pete Ringen to do an analysis of rates but set no deadline.