Gov. Chris Gregoire announced that the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will move forward with construction of two 64-car Home style vessels and will not build a smaller 50-car vessel. WSDOT no longer plans to build a 50-car Steilacoom II style vessel, which was originally intended to fill the gap in service until the two Island Homes were built. Instead, WSDOT reached agreement with to extend the lease on one of the County’s ferries until new vessels can be built for the route. Home style ferry is ready for service in spring 2010. WSDOT is working toward building five new ferries – three 144-car vessels and two new 60-car Home style vessels.
