Plans to restore ferry services in Puget Sound to pre-pandemic levels were unveiled by Gov. Bob Ferguson during a recent press conference at Colman Dock.

The governor is delaying the hybrid-electric conversion of ferries until after the FIFA World Cup in 2026. This decision will bring the number of boats in the system to 21, with 18 running at any given time while three undergo maintenance.

With the Wenatchee undergoing hybridization for 22 months, the Bremerton route operates with only one boat. Bremerton Mayor Greg Wheeler commended Ferguson for swiftly addressing the issue.

“The lack of service has been a crisis felt by residents of Bremerton who have lost jobs and significant financial impacts and has affected our community workforce going to and from our city,” Wheeler said.

The governor said bidding will open in April for five new hybrid-electric boats, with the goal of securing a contract by June and introducing the new vessels by 2029.

To serve island communities, Ferguson appointed Steve Nevey as Deputy Transportation Secretary. Nevey will work closely with Transportation Secretary Julie Meredith, who will attend cabinet meetings and report directly to Ferguson.

Nevey said efforts to bring high school and college graduates into the ferry workforce to address staffing shortages will continue. Lack of staff is a major cause of delays.

Ferguson stated he will not sign a budget unless collective bargaining agreements totaling more than $28 million for all ferry workers is included.

“We need to support the crew as the backbone of our system and make sure they are compensated fairly for the very important work that they do,” Ferguson said.

The governor also expressed support for Rep. Greg Nance’s Mosquito Fleet bill, which would bring more foot-ferries into service. Nance, D-Bainbridge Island, said he wants to purchase used boats to more quickly augment the ferry fleet.

Meanwhile, Republicans are suggesting Ferguson take advantage of President Donald Trump’s efforts to revive shipbuilding in the United States to expand the ferry fleet.

Deputy Leader Sen. Drew MacEwan, R-Union, is advocating for construction of additional ferries.

“Washington is a leader in this industry,” MacEwan said. “Between our Navy and our ferry infrastructure. This is an opportunity for our governor and the president’s administration to work together to serve the needs of this state.”

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Photo by Juan Jocom The Walla Walla is shown on its way to Bremerton port on Jan 18. Currently, only one vessel is servicing the Bremerton route, with departures every two and a half hours.