County planning hike in ferry rates

Wahkiakum County commissioners will hold a public hearing November 28, 9:50 a.m., to consider raising rates for travelers on the Puget Island ferry.

Rates haven't been raised since 2010, Public Works Director Chuck Beyer said last week. In the meantime, the county's operating costs have increased.

As proposed, basic rates would increase $1. The rate for a foot passenger would go up $1 to $2; the rate for a small vehicle would go from $5 to $6.

The cost for a bicycle would increase by $1 to $3, and the cost of a motorcycle would increase $1 to $4.

The increase could be larger for larger vehicles.

Vehicles, including vehicle and trailer combinations, 22-29 feet would increase $5 to $20, and vehicles 30-39 feet would increase $3 to $28.

The proposed rates include new rates for vehicles over 40 feet long; the rates increase incrementally from $36 for a vehicle 40 feet in length to $60 for a vehicle 70-75 feet long.

Under the proposed new rates, the cost of a 22-trip frequent traveler ticket would go from $64 to $78, and the cost of a 44-trip frequent traveler ticket would increase from $125 to $144.

The cost of a special trip would increase from $100 to $120.

The complete list of rates may be found on Page 11 of this week's edition.