County to receive federal funds for a new ferry

Wahkiakum County should have a new ferry by the end of 2014.

County Public Works Director Pete Ringen reported Tuesday that he learned from Senator Patty Murray's office that the county would receive a federal ferry boat discretionary grant of $2.8 million.

The county is planning to replace the existing 11-car ferry with a ferry that will hold 23 vehicles, including large trucks with trailers. The estimated cost is $3.9 million.

The county will get about $1.1 million in state funds, Ringen said, and that will take care of most of the expense beyond the federal grant. He expects $800,000 from the state Regional Surface Transportation Program and $300,000 from local or County Road Administration Board ferry funds.

"The replacement ferry would meet the needs of lower Columbia communities for decades to come," he said. "It would be ADA accessible, meet modern Coast Guard standards, and accommodate larger vehicles including tour buses and chip trucks.

"The ferry is a key component in our transportation infrastructure for the lower Columbia communities, and it is a lifeline when land routes are cut off by slides or other events."

Ringen said it would take about two years from the time the federal funds are obligated to the time the new ferry is constructed.