PORT TOWNSEND — Port of Port Townsend officials have chosen Puget Sound Express Inc. to operate its passenger-only ferry service, which they have committed to begin in August 2013.
The port commissioners made the decision Wednesday at the same time that port officials heard that final paperwork for the collection and administration of a $1.3 million grant to build a boat for the route was approved by U.S. Department of Transportation.
“It was a big day for us,” said port Deputy Director Jim Pivarnik.
“We are anxious to move forward.”
Puget Sound Express of Port Townsend edged out Salish Sea Transportation LLC, based in Tacoma, which Pivarnik said “would have been an excellent choice.”
Puget Sound Express, which is owned by Pete and Sherri Hanke, is located at Point Hudson Marina and will use its existing facilities to operate the new Seattle-Port Townsend run.
“We’re really excited about having Pete and Sherri on board for this,” Pivarnik said.
“They are already our tenants and are familiar with us, and we know them.”
The port will build the boat — using the federal grant — but will not use its general fund for its operation.
That will be Puget Sound Express’ sole responsibility.
Pete Hanke is out of town until Nov. 21, when he is expected to meet with port staff to help determine specifications for the boat.
Port officials and Hanke will schedule meetings with such local groups as the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce to solicit advice about the boat’s construction.
That will be followed by an open public meeting to take place in early 2012.
“We want to get the public’s opinion about what they want in a ferry and what kind of boat we need to build,” Pivarnik said.
Some parameters have been established.
The ferry will be geared toward tourists and visitors rather than commuters and probably won’t run year-round or even every day to start.
That’s different from the initial idea, which was to run the service once or twice a day with a 49-passenger capacity, with a one-way fare at about $20 or $25.
The port hopes to put out bids for boat construction by March, Pivarnik said.
Building the boat is expected to take about eight months.
The port has not yet solicited bids but has already heard from “three very capable” local boat builders, port Executive Director Larry Crockett said.
Puget Sound Express currently provides summer passenger ferry service between Port Townsend and Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
It began operating in 1994.
The company also runs an array of Port Townsend-based whale watching and wildlife tours throughout the year.
Seattle-side landing options are still in the planning stages.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.