Date:  Monday, September 15, 2008

Contact: Joy Goldenberg, Communications Manager, 206-515-3411

SEATTLE – WSDOT Ferries Division invites the public to a series of public meetings beginning Sept. 24 in Bremerton. These meetings build on information presented to the public in June/July 2008 and will focus on the development of the ferry system’s long-range plan.

“We are embarking on the third series of public meetings this year as we work towards a draft long-range plan for the ferry system,” said David Moseley, Ferries Division Assistant Secretary. “This is a critical time for the system, our customers and communities.”

Information presented at the meetings will include funding challenges, operational strategies, and route specific packages. The public comments received at the meetings will help inform the ferry system’s draft long-range plan due out mid-November.

The public meeting schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, Sept. 24, 6:30-9 p.m.
  Kitsap Conference Center at Bremerton Harborside, 100 Washington Avenue, Bremerton
• Thursday, Sept. 25, 6-8:30 p.m.
  South County Senior Center, 220 Railroad Avenue, Edmonds
• Thursday, Oct. 2, 6:30-9 p.m.
  Bainbridge Island Commons, 402 Brien Drive
• Monday, Oct. 6, 11:40 a.m.-3:40 p.m.
  aboard San Juan inter-island ferry (departing Friday Harbor at 11:40 a.m.)
• Tuesday, Oct. 7, 5-7:30 p.m.
  Fort Casey State Park, Auditorium B, 1276 Engle Rd., Coupeville
• Monday, Oct. 13, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
  McMurray Middle School, Multi-Purpose Room, 9329 SE Cemetery Rd, Vashon Island
• Tuesday, Oct. 14, 6-8:30 p.m.
  City Council Chambers, 4480 Chennault Beach Rd., Mukilteo
• Wednesday, Oct. 15, 6-8:30 p.m.
  Fidalgo Center, 1701 22nd St., Anacortes 
• Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30-9 p.m.
  John Sedgwick Junior High School, 8995 SE Sedgwick Rd., Port Orchard

Background:
The WSDOT Ferries Division has spent the last year working to address the long-term financial sustainability of the ferry system. This work stems from 2007 legislation (ESHB 2358). The legislation identified specific topics for study and required new levels of cooperation and collaboration between the Washington State Legislature, Washington State Transportation Commission and WSDOT.

For more information on the ferry financing legislated studies, visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.

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