U.S. Sec. of Transportation Buttigieg talks new funding for Washington's ferry fleet

Last edited Fri Jul 7, 2023, 12:42 PM - Edit history (1)

Buttigieg visits Mukilteo for plans to electrify Washington ferries

MUKILTEO — U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Mukilteo on Thursday to discuss how federal dollars are improving Washington’s ferry system and infrastructure.

Buttigieg’s visit with Washington state and congressional leaders, including Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Patty Murray and U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, was part of his nationwide Investing in America tour seeking to highlight how the Biden administration is funding major projects across the country. Buttigieg also toured infrastructure in Port Orchard and Washougal, Clark County.

Last year, the federal government awarded the state ferry system $38 million for boat maintenance and renovations, mostly from the $550 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed to fund projects across the country. This more than doubled last year’s federal funding for Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the country and the second largest in the world.

“Not everybody realizes that ferries are an integral part of the daily commute of so many Americans,” Buttigieg said while touring the second floor of the ferry terminal that overlooks Puget Sound.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/buttigieg-visits-mukilteo-for-plans-to-electrify-washington-ferries/