Jefferson County commissioners on Monday turned down a Port Ludlow Chamber of Commerce request for money to operate a passenger ferry during August’s second Hood Canal Bridge closure.
The Port Ludlow business organization asked the county for $15,000 to help pay for the foot ferry service connecting Port Ludlow with Washington State Ferries and private passenger services at Kingston.
The Hood Canal Bridge will be closed for replacement of land-based approaches to the floating portion from 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, through 4 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15, and again from 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21, through 4 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 25.
The Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Puget Sound Energy, the city of Port Townsend and Jefferson Transit, has arranged for Seattle-Port Townsend weekend passenger-only ferry service during the first closure Aug. 11-15.
Sterling Couch, Port Ludlow chamber co-president, requested $10,000 from the county for the boat operation and $5,000 for ferry promotion for a link between Port Ludlow and Kingston during the latter closure.
“It’s probably not going to happen,” said County Commissioner Pat Rodgers, R-Brinnon, after board’s deliberation on Monday.
Instead the commissioners voted $2,000 for the proposal.
Port Ludlow business leaders have hoped to book the foot ferry to offer three round-trip sailings during each closure day to alleviate potential traffic on the U.S. Highway 101 detour route.
Free ferry proposed
Chamber members estimated a maximum of 450 passengers daily with a free trip when the Hood Canal Bridge is out.
“I don’t think that there is any doubt that that boat would be filled,” Couch told commissioners.
Disappointed by the county’s response, Couch said the chamber will solicit contributions from private businesses across the county.
“I sure hope that somebody does not get killed going on that difficult road around the Hood Canal,” said Couch.
“It’s kind of like everything else they have done — they seem to figure out a way to support Port Townsend, but not the rest of the county.
“It’s not surprising.”