Date:  Thursday, October 08, 2009

Contact: Marta Coursey, Director of Communications 206-515-3918

SEATTLE – The Washington State Department of Transportation’s Ferries Division (WSF) took the next step today in the process to build new ferries, opening bids this morning, October 8, on a contract to construct up to three new 64-car vessels. Todd Pacific Shipyards submitted the only bid.

Bids were solicited for construction and delivery of two 64-car ferries with an optional third vessel. Todd’s proposed bid price for the first two vessels in the contract was $114 million. The WSF engineer’s estimate is $109.9 million.

The timeline for vessel construction is approximately 20 months each for the first two vessels. The decision to exercise the option to add the construction of a third vessel will be made no later than May 31, 2011.

“This is another example of the significant progress we have made toward rebuilding our aging fleet to meet the growing needs of our ferry system,” said Paula Hammond, Washington Transportation Secretary. “While we still need to identify funding to sustain the system for the long term, I am looking forward to seeing these ferries operating on the Puget Sound in just a few short years.”

David Moseley, Assistant Secretary for WSF, said, “I appreciate Todd Pacific Shipyards bidding on our work. I think the improved bid is due in part to the positive working relationship the ferry system has established with Todd during the current construction process.”

The formal bid opening was held at 11 a.m. at Ferries Division headquarters in Seattle. WSF intends to award the contract within ten days, after evaluating to ensure it meets contract requirements.

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