PRESS RELEASE

May 12, 2023

Contact

Danica Sessions

[email protected]

360-416-1300

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Guemes Island Ferry Fare Proposal Public Hearing Scheduled for June 8

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Skagit County and consultant, KPFF, are nearing the completion of a ferry fare rate study for the Guemes Island Ferry. Since 2018, farebox revenue has not met the revenue target, and the County has not pursued an increase in fares for operational costs since 2015. The County has undertaken this project to ensure the current level of ferry service and to be proactive in addressing financial impacts to the County's Road Fund.

Following an open house and public hearing to gather initial community input, the Guemes Island Ferry System 2023 Rate Study and the proposed rate increase are now available for review.

To access the full Rate Study Report, the 2023 Fare Proposal, and the 2023 Ferry Fare Revenue Target Report, please visit:? www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/PublicWorksFerry/2023ratestudy.htm.

The second and final public hearing will be held on Thursday, June 8, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon. The public can attend in-person or via Zoom using the following link:?https://bit.ly/SkagitBoCCMtg

?We thank our Public Works staff for their time and dedication throughout this process,? said Board of County Commissioners Chair Ron Wesen. ?Public Works Director, Grace Kane, and Ferry Manager, Rachel Rowe, have worked tirelessly with the consultant to get this proposal to a place that we feel addresses the concerns brought forth by Guemes Island residents, while also addressing the County?s very real transportation and roadway funding constraints.?

Said Commissioner Lisa Janicki: ?This rate study has been a heavy lift for Public Works staff. We commend the work that Grace and Rachel have put into this process, which included gathering and reviewing a substantial amount of community feedback. The County took the time to work through the process and it shows in this report.?

?Not only do we thank our staff who strived to find a workable balance between the County?s needs and the needs of Guemes Islanders, we also want to thank the individuals who took the time to participate in this process with us,? said Commissioner Peter Browning.?

For all other Guemes Island Ferry news and information, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/ferry and subscribe for text and email alerts by going to https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/WASKAGITCO/subscriber/new?topic_id=WASKAGITCO_8.

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