SEATTLE — Washington State Ferries opened a bid of $124.4 million today from Todd Pacific Shipyards of Seattle for two 64-car Island Home-style ferries to serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route, and a contract is expected to be awarded within about two weeks, officials said.
Todd’s proposed bid price is $124,450,559 for two vessels and $65,487,328.00 for one vessel.
A state Department of Transportation engineer’s estimate is $95,943,865.00 for two vessels and $49,452,894.00 for one vessel.
“While I appreciate Todd Shipyards’ responsiveness, I am disappointed that there is only one bid,” David Moseley, assistant transportation secretary for the state Depatment of Transportation’s Ferries Division, said in a news release following the bid acceptance at the state ferries offices.
“We will identify all viable options before making a decision.”
The Department of Transportation will evaluate the bid over the next few days to ensure it meets contract requirements before making an award recommendation.
The Pierce County ferry Steilacoom II, meanwhile, will serve the Port Townsend-Keystone route through Jan. 4 of New Year’s weekend, Moseley said.
The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday allowed Pierce County to extend its maintenance deadline until Jan. 4 to give holiday visitors service between Port Townsend and Keystone.
A complete story will appear in Friday’s Peninsula Daily News.
