Pierce County Ferry riders are invited to learn about draft recommendations developed during the ferry system’s Waterborne Transportation Study at a June 11 public meeting on Anderson Island.
The draft recommendations include short-term and long-term strategies regarding topics such as fares, service and financial sustainability.
“The draft recommendations, which were developed using input from our ferry riders, include changes and improvements that will support the needs of our riders and the system,” said Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works airport and ferry administrator.
The June 11 meeting will take place from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Anderson Island Elementary School, 13005 Camus Road. A formal presentation of the draft recommendations will be made, followed by a question and answer period. Attendees will then be able to visit informational booths to speak with staff from Pierce County Public Works and BERK Consulting, which was hired to lead the study on the county’s behalf.
To request a special accommodation at the meeting, attendees should email [email protected]. Those that are unable to attend can view materials and submit comments at www.piercecountywa.org/ferry.
A final meeting of the study advisory group will be held from 10-11:45 a.m. July 1 at Steilacoom Town Hall, 1717 Lafayette St. This meeting is open to the public.
The recommendations will be finalized this summer by Pierce County staff and BERK Consulting. The recommendations will be presented to Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy, along with the Pierce County Council Economic Infrastructure and Development Committee at its meeting at 9:30 a.m. July 28.
About the study
During the study, which started in November 2014, the county, BERK Consulting, and a study advisory group analyzed population and demographic changes projected through 2034, identified changes to service that would enhance island economic vitality and livability, evaluated the financial sustainability of the system, and evaluated the system’s 14-year capital needs.
The status of the ferry system was assessed to understand the system’s history and outlook, and identify key challenges and opportunities for the future. The consultant also analyzed population and ridership, fare structure and ticketing system technology, the system’s finances, and service including vessels, terminals and operations. Pierce County and BERK Consulting presented potential alternatives at a May public meeting before developing the draft recommendations.
The system was last analyzed by the 2003 Waterborne Transportation Study.
The Pierce County Ferry System provides service between the town of Steilacoom and Anderson and Ketron islands. Visit www.piercecountywa.org/ferry to learn more about the study.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Deb Wallace, Public Works airport and ferry administrator
(253) 798-7109
[email protected]
Anne Radford, Public Works public information officer
(253) 798-2464
[email protected]