New walk-on ferry routes across Puget Sound readied to sail if funded
People who live on Puget Sound islands painted an enticing vision for the Washington Legislature this week of a modern-day Mosquito Fleet of fast ferries. But legislation to authorize and pay for this new passenger-only service is in choppy waters and its success could come at the cost of other highway or transit projects.
The idea hearkens back to a century ago when an armada of privately operated steamers offered the easiest way to travel among Puget Sound settlements. Washington State Ferries emerged from that legacy, but islanders and commuters say they urgently need an alternative to the agency’s iconic green-and-white car ferries, which have become unreliable.
“Investing in passenger-only ferries can put boats back on the water faster and cheaper, taking lessons from our maritime history and heritage to build a more connected, healthier and prosperous future for all of us,” said state Rep. Greg Nance, D-Bainbridge Island, while presenting a proposal to fellow lawmakers Wednesday.
Nance dubbed his proposal the Mosquito Fleet Act. It would seed a $50 million competitive grant program to launch new walk-on ferry routes separate from Washington State Ferries, so as not to distract the state Transportation Department from its WSF rebuilding project. Any local government body — think counties, transit agencies, port districts or tribes — could apply for money to build a dock, buy a used ferry (to get started faster), operate the service, or just assess feasibility.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/02/20/new-walk-on-ferry-routes-across-puget-sound-readied-to-sail-if-funded/