Tag Archives: Ferries

Setting the Record Straight on Ferries, Fairness, and the Facts

Neighbors,

I’ve been hearing from many of you about the recent decision to award Washington’s hybrid-electric ferry contract to an out-of-state builder, and I understand your frustration. Let me set the record straight and share where I stand.

First, let’s clarify how this decision was made. The Legislature did not approve or select this contractor. We authorized funding in the transportation budget to get new boats built, something we all agreed was overdue. But the final authority to award the contract lies with Washington State Ferries (WSF), the Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and ultimately the Governor’s office. Like many of you, I was surprised by the announcement, and disappointed that key transportation leaders weren’t briefed before it was made public. That’s a problem. Big decisions deserve transparency and full input from all sides, not press releases after the fact.

Now, let’s talk about the numbers. The Florida-based company came in with a bid around $714 million. Nichols Brothers, our in-state shipbuilder on Whidbey Island, came in closer to $1.07 billion, a $356 million difference. That’s staggering. House transportation leaders noted that even with a 13% in-state bidder preference, a well-established Washington company couldn’t come close. That’s not just about price tags. It’s a reflection of the broader cost structure we’ve imposed on our own job creators.

We have to ask: Why is doing business in Washington so expensive that local firms are priced out of public contracts? It’s not a question of talent or capacity, Nichols Brothers has a proven track record. But years of added taxes, regulations, wage mandates, and compliance costs have taken their toll. And with more tax increases passed this session, it’s only getting harder for our local businesses to compete.

That said, after years of delays and missed timelines, I am relieved to see construction finally moving forward. We were supposed to have new ferries in the water already under the original schedule, but high bids from in-state builders prevented us from proceeding. Constituents in our district, who rely on these ferries every day, deserve real progress, not more broken timelines.

This contract is about more than ferry construction. It’s about our state’s future. Are we building a Washington where we support in-state manufacturing and keep jobs here? Or are we creating a climate where even our most capable employers are forced to the sidelines?

I’m digging into what the law allows when it comes to prioritizing local contractors. We do have an in-state bidder preference, but it’s not a blank check, and it doesn’t apply when the cost difference is this large. We have to be responsible with taxpayer dollars. But we also have to ask hard questions about why those costs are so high in the first place.

Here’s what I can promise:

I’m committed to getting the facts, all of them.
I’m committed to transparency, even when the process around me isn’t.
And I’m committed to defending our local communities and industries, not just in ferry contracts, but in every policy decision that affects their ability to survive and grow.

This isn’t a black-and-white issue. It’s complicated, and I won’t jump into one camp or the other just because it’s politically convenient. That’s not how I do things. I owe you thoughtful, honest leadership, and that means asking tough questions, even when the answers aren’t easy.

Thank you for reaching out. Keep pushing. Keep asking. Keep holding us accountable. That’s how we fix what’s broken, together.

Sincerely,

Senator Ron Muzzall
10th Legislative District

Muzzall optimistic about the future of the ferries

Today, state Sen. Ron Muzzall joined calls for the in-state construction of more ferries to meet the needs of Washingtonians and tourists visiting the region. Muzzall was responding to Gov. Bob Ferguson’s announcement that the electric-power conversion of two state ferries will be delayed until after Seattle hosts the World Cup in 2026.

WSF operates the largest public-ferry system in the country, serving more than 19,148,000 total annual riders (10 million passengers and 9 million vehicles) in 2024. It is a division of the state Department of Transportation and operates 10 routes serving 20 terminals within Puget Sound and in the San Juan Islands. To service these routes, WSF maintains a fleet of 21 vessels.

Muzzall says a larger, more reliable fleet is vital to the communities he represents in the 10th Legislative District, which includes Island and parts of Skagit County.

“The governor’s confidence is appreciated, but the communities that rely on our ferries every day need more than just promises—they need reliable service now,” said Muzzall. “While I support efforts to restore staffing levels, we must ensure that our shipbuilding process is efficient and cost-effective, not bogged down by delays and political considerations. Bid flexibility is a step in the right direction, but we need real accountability to get ferries built and in service.”

Muzzall pointed out that one way to help ensure new ship construction is by Washington taking advantage of federal emphasis on new domestic shipbuilding capacity.

Ferry Town Hall

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,

As you know, many communities in the 10th District are heavily dependent on the state’s ferry system. Recent reductions in sailings, especially on the Clinton-Mukilteo route, have led to unacceptable disruptions of service. I am hearing the frustration from constituents and am looking for answers. That is why my seatmates and I are putting together this urgent virtual town hall. The Government Relations Director from the Washington State Ferries will be a guest and provide an update on what’s happening.

Our goal is to understand the current state of ferries situation, how we got here, and what the path back to normal service looks like. How long will it take? What is being done to mitigate the situation in the meantime? What is needed? How will restoration be prioritized?

Click here or on the image below to register. I hope that you can join us.