Snohomish is Launched

Washington State Ferries' newest ferry Snohomish was launched last month. It is now undergoing last-minute installations and sea trials before officially entering service on the Seattle/Bremerton route. The sleek ferry is the sister ship of Chinook, already in service on the Seattle/Bremerton route. With a few minor exceptions - the biggest being a new bow configuration so it can front load at auto ferry slips - Snohomish is a replica of Chinook. According to Snohomish County Councilman Rick Larsen, the ferry's name comes from one of the region's Native American tribes, symbolizing a connection to the past. And as a passenger-only ferry, it represents the commitment to a regional transportation system, particularly to practical alternatives to driving alone. The two Chinook-class passenger-only ferries, built by Dakota Creek Shipyards, are the first in a new fleet of passenger ferries serving Puget Sound travelers. The state Legislature has approved plans to build five more passenger ferries. The ferry system hopes to choose a builder by December.