Washington State Ferries and public ferry systems around the United States will be the focus of the newly-launched Congressional Ferry Caucus, based in Washington, D.C. The bi-partisan group, made up of U.S. Representatives from across the country, is the brainchild of 6th District’s U.S. Rep. Emily Randall (D-WA).
The caucus will advocate for the unique needs of communities where ferry transportation is essential and to assist ferry systems in obtaining federal funding to operate, Randall said. The Bremerton congresswoman added, the group will inform members of Congress of the vital role ferries play in America’s transportation network, connecting both urban and rural communities to jobs, schools, health care, and recreation.
“The caucus can keep the spotlight on ferries at a time where multimodal transportation is less popular in this administration. There are people who rely on ferries to stay connected. It’s a practical mode of transportation for a lot of us. (For example,) the time it takes to get from Kingston to Edmonds on the ferry is much more doable to get to an appointment than it is to drive all the way around the sound,” Randall said.
A caucus is an informal group of lawmakers who share a common interest. The group does not introduce bills, but caucus members can do so in committees they sit on.
WSF officials believe the caucus will educate Congress about benefits ferries offer communities.
“It will be helpful for legislators from across the country to learn more about the important transportation ferries provide. Awareness leads to increased support and understanding of the benefits of marine transportation,” WSF deputy assistant secretary John Vezina said.
“Several states have ferry systems, but awareness of them has been local, not national. A congressional caucus will raise awareness for ferries as part of the nation’s public transportation systems. In states like Washington, that means being part of the state highway system, not simply a mode for tourists,” Vezina said.
Kitsap Transit executive director John Clauson also endorsed the purpose of the caucus.
“Federal investment in ferry systems is a critical catalyst for strong regional economic growth, more efficient traffic flows, and enhanced resiliency and disaster readiness,” Clauson said.
“Over the past eight years, Kitsap Transit has stood up three cross-sound passenger-only ferry routes that have improved access to housing and good-paying jobs. Kitsap Transit has grown to become the second largest ferry operator in Washington state,” Clausen added.
Randall co-chairs the ferry caucus. Other co-chairs include U.S. Representatives Nick Begich (R), from Alaska, John Garamendi (D), out of California and Nicole Malliotakis (R), from New York.
When forming the group, Randall felt it was important that it be bipartisan.
“I’m in the (democratic) minority. Having been in the majority before (in the state legislature), I know that it’s important to have majority caucus members on your side if you want to get something done,” Randall said.
WSF’s Vezina credited Randall for putting ferry systems into the spotlight.
“We’re appreciative of Congresswoman Randall’s strong support of WSF as a legislator and her continued support as a member of Congress. She is a leader in championing the importance of marine transportation,” Vezina said.
Randall announced formation of the ferry caucus June 18 at the Edmonds ferry dock. Present were U.S. Congressman Rick Larson (WA–2nd district) and representatives from WSF, Kitsap Transit, and the Masters, Mates and Pilots union.
