Commissioners OK second phase of ferry rate increases

For the second time in two years, ticket prices for the ferry Wahkiakum will increase on January 1.

Wahkiakum County Commissioners Blair Brady, Dan Cothren and Lisa Marsyla on Tuesday affirmed their desire to follow through on increases they adopted a year ago. At that time, they said, ferry commuters had asked that the increases be spread out so that they didn't create such a big financial impact.

Rates hadn't been raised in 10 years when the board acted last fall. They boosted the prices of commuter tickets from $75 for 44 trips to $100; now the price is increasing to $125 for a 44-trip commuter ticket.

Similarly, the price of a 22-trip ticket increased frm $40 to $50 at the beginning of 2010, and the price will increase to $64 at the beginning of 2011.

Public Works Dirctor Pete Ringen said the state transportation commission will also have to approve the increase and he would submit information to that board.

Commissioner Lisa Marsyla suggested the board review ferry rates every year or two so that increases can be spread out and not have a big jump; Brady and Cothren agreed.

Ringen also reported that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has still not acted on a request to increase disaster funding to repair a section of East Valley Road damaged in January, 2009, flooding.

The agency approved repair of the road in 2009 at a cost of $129,000. Later, however, engineers determined that the road bed was settling and a more detailed project was needed. The county has engaged a consulting engineer who has estimated the cost at $655,000, Ringen said.

FEMA officials have supported the project, Ringen, said, with the county having to contribute a 12.5 percent share.

However, Ringen said, for the project to proceed, FEMA needs to commit to the higher amount.

Ringen said he had spoken with a contact in the state Department of Emergency Management, which is the liaison with FEMA, and learned FEMA officials are hung up on an environmental issue.

Ringen said the official recommended patience for a few more weeks before commissioners might seek aid from federal representatives in getting the project going.