PORT TOWNSEND — Although two elected officials have expressed opposition to passenger-ferry service between Port Townsend and Seattle, supporters from local government, business and economic development groups are expected to speak up at a Port of Port Townsend workshop today.
The port is considering purchasing the Chilkat Express, a passenger ferry capable of cruising at 43 knots fully loaded and now owned by a touring business in Alaska.
Sen. Patty Murray, D-Freeland, is sponsoring a $1 million appropriation measure before the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee to that end.
Port Commissioner Dave Thompson and county Commissioner Phil Johnson, both longtime Port Townsend residents and businessmen, have voiced their opposition to the passenger-ferry proposal that will be on the port commissioners’ agenda today.
The port commissioners will take up the matter during a workshop at 3:30 p.m. in their chambers at the port offices, 375 Hudson St., Port Townsend.
The regular port meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Thompson: Spend money on bus service
The idea of a Port Townsend-Seattle passenger ferry does not impress second-term Commissioner Thompson, who holds fast to his position.
“I’m not supporting it,” Thompson said firmly on Tuesday, adding he contacted Murray’s office and said he and Johnson would not support it.
“If we’re going to spend $1 mill on enhanced transportation, I think it can be used more effectively for the entire county besides just for people who just want to have a party.
Thompson said the money would be better spent on more bus service.
“If we want to enhance the tourist business, you can take a transit bus and take it to Seattle, spend the day there and get a ride back. That’s more tourist bang for the buck,” he said.
“Then, more regular people could take advantage of it.”
Johnson has said he opposed the proposal, fearing it would make a commuter city out of Port Townsend, although he intended to talk with supporters before making a final decision.
Attempts to contact the second-term county commissioner Tuesday to confirm if he still opposed the proposal were unsuccessful.
Letters of support
Their opposition may be overwhelmed, however, by support letters sent to Murray’s office from the city of Port Townsend, Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and Port Townsend Main Street Program.
Also sending letters of support to Murray have been Bill Wise, Team Jefferson chairman; Steve Shively for Fort Worden State Park Conference Center, and Laurel Dawson, a Port Townsend resident.
“As a mother of children approaching college, I love the idea of them having access to educational opportunities in Seattle while being able to live at home in Port Townsend,” Dawson wrote in a letter to the port last week.
“I think the foot ferry would strengthen our community and allow young families to prosper here.
“Port Townsend needs something to boost its economy and give people an opportunity to live a lifetime here. I think the foot ferry is the perfect solution! I hope it happens!”
Port Executive Director Larry Crockett said even if the appropriation is approved, the port commissioners “can say thanks, Patty, but we don’t want the money.”
Crockett said he expects a number of residents and local leaders to speak in favor of the idea today.
Jefferson County chamber Executive Director Jennifer MacGillonie in an e-mail Tuesday urged chamber board members to attend the meeting to back the proposal.
Mari Mullen, Main Street executive director, also e-mailed a message inviting business community and Main Street members to attend the port special meeting.
Mullen state that passenger-only ferry would provide a “vital transportation link between Seattle and the Olympic Peninsula, a positive economic impact for our businesses, and an opportunity for Seattle visitors to enjoy both a day trip and weekend getaway to Port Townsend, the Olympic Peninsula and Whidbey Island.”
P.S. Express, which operates Point Hudson to San Juan Island whale-watching boat tours and owned by Pete and Sherry Hanke, is consulting with the port on the possible passenger-ferry acquisition.
To Seattle in 40 minutes
Should the port acquire the vessel — which has not been used for at least a year, port officials said — it would be capable of sailing to Seattle in 40 minutes.
Fuel consumption at cruising speed is 120 gallons per hour.
Port officials said the owners want $700,000 for the Chilkat, which they thought was too high a price. The port believes the 9-year-old boat built in Bellingham is actually worth about $400,000.
The Chilkat Express is a hydrofoil-assisted jet catamaran design that has been developed by the New Zealand-based company Technicraft Design. It was fabricated under license by All American Marine in Bellingham for the operator, Chilkat Cruises & Tours.
It is one of the fastest passenger vessels in U.S. waters.
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Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.