International Ferry Run in danger!

Y ou may have heard that in Governor Gregoire’s biennium budget for 2009-2011 does not include monies for the International Ferry run between Anacortes and Sydney B.C. The Governor wants to eliminate the run and in doing so eliminate about 1470 jobs, 1.3 million in annual tax collection by local jurisdictions, $30 million in Annual Payroll and $126 million in annual spending in the 5 northern counties. These numbers come from the Hovee Report, which is an independent report done that clearly demonstrates how vital this ferry run is to our local, and state economy.

The impact in Anacortes would be devastating. Local hoteliers and restaurants would take a significant hit as those that ride the ferry typically get here the night before since the ferry leaves at 8:00 AM, they spend the night, go out to eat, maybe shop a little or catch a movie and all these dollars would go away. There were over 131,000 passengers in 2006, and this number is expected to climb especially with the 2010 Olympics just around the corner. 

Please take ten minutes and read through the information at the Save Our Ferry website. Then take another few minutes and email your representatives and let them know that you think the International Ferry run is important. Sen. Haugen, Rep. Morris and Sen-elect Ranker are all against the elimination of this run but do need our support, so please be vocal and help keep this economic driver running in Anacortes.