Airport News

New Rates for Improved Maintenance Across Pierce County Airports

There is a 5% rate increase to hangers in 2022 and 2023. While airport maintenance and operations costs have increased over the years, most airport rates in Pierce County have not experienced significant increases since 2016. The County Council approved a 5% rate increase to hangars, tie-downs and storage units for 2022 and 2023. These rate increases are expected to help support the financial viability of the airports.

Review the adopted Ordinance No. 2021-103 about the airports rate increase. For a detailed breakdown of the rate increase, visit our webpage.

Winter Preparations

Pierce County Planning and Public Works has a snow response plan that includes snow and ice removal on the airport runways. This past holiday snow event gave this plan a workout. Our crews were out to plow the runways and taxiways, while airports opened when operations were safe to fly.

We spend a great deal of time preparing machines and equipment for winter operations and as seen during the last snow event, it takes time to plow the airports of snow and ice. During a weather event, please check Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) to verify the runways are open.

PLU Master Plan Update

The airport master plan serves as the County’s strategy for development over a 20-year planning period for Pierce County Airport – Thun Field. Based on FAA guidance, the plan evaluates the airport’s existing facilities and future aviation needs with input from an advisory committee, the Federal Aviation Administration, the County and the public. During the study, the advisory committee, with representatives from the airport and surrounding community, met seven times to evaluate airport needs. A virtual open house was also conducted to gather feedback from the public. The resulting projects include:

Environmental assessment
Obstruction removal
Runway extension (from 3,650 to 4,000 ft.), widening and strengthening
Lighting upgrades

The next step is to perform an environmental assessment (EA) of the obstruction removal and runway projects with an expected completion in 2024. The public is encouraged to participate in the comment period and is expected to start in 2023. A copy of the proposed plan is available online.

New Hangar Doors at Pierce County Airport – Thun Field

Crews installed new doors on the first row of the Pierce County-owned hangars last month at Pierce County Airport – Thun Field. The project is expected to be completed in March.

Pierce County Fuel Island Update

Pierce County has assumed operations of the Fuel Island at Thun Field as of Jan. 11. Plans for repairs and upgrades are scheduled in the spring to modernize the pumps and reduce downtime. If you experience any issues at the pump or have questions about the fuel service, please call (253) 798-3779.

Ferry News

Passengers and cars disembarking a ferry.

New Ferry Rates to Support Expanded Service and Maintenance Costs

With growing ridership and rising operating costs, we have implemented a fare increase by 8.9% as of Jan. 1, 2022. Ferry fares in 2023 will increase 6.2% over the 2022 rates, effective Jan. 1, 2023. These increases will expand service during peak season to help improve wait times and offset inflationary costs since the last rate increase in 2016. For more details on the rate increase, visit the new fare webpage.

Winter Preparations and Inclement Weather Schedule

We wrapped up 2021 with a cold snap, and we could be in store for more frigid temperatures this winter. When riding the ferry during inclement weather, please travel with caution as roads, sidewalks, and ferry decks may be icy. We encourage all passengers to sign up for Rider Alerts to stay informed of any schedule impacts.

We are also working with Anderson Island Citizens' Advisory Board (AICAB) and the Steilacoom Historical School District to develop a inclement weather schedule that will have reduced service. We’ll provide more details on our website in the coming weeks.

Ferry Operator Contract Update

Contract negotiations for the Pierce County Ferry operations is still ongoing. The existing contract with HMS Ferries was set to expire at the end of 2021 but has been extended through March 31, 2022. The new contract with HMS Ferries will go into effect on April 1, 2022. We will provide more information on our website when the contract is finalized.

Pierce County issued a competitive request for proposals in late 2020. HMS was selected in May 2021.

Upcoming Dates

The following dates are intended for planning purposes and may be subject to change.

Fuel Runs

Fuel service runs occur on the first and third Monday of each month when the ferry transports gasoline and propane fuel tankers to and from Anderson Island to restock storage tanks at the Anderson Island General Store. This service is critical to ensure Anderson Island residents and visitors have access to fuel while they’re on the island. Look for Rider Alerts for any schedule impacts.

Feb. 7
Feb. 21
March 7
March 21
April 4
April 18

Planned Inspection on Feb. 13

Pierce County Planning and Public Works will be conducting our quarterly inspections at all three ferry landings on Sunday, Feb. 13. As a result, the last run of the day will be the 8:35 p.m. Look for a Rider Alert for more details.

Holidays

All departure times will run as scheduled except for the 4:45 a.m. and 5:15 a.m. runs, which are canceled in observance of the following holidays:

Monday, Feb. 21: Presidents Day