More money for ferry mitigation

Another ferry for Keystone isn’t the only thing coming out of the legislative session that will help businesses affected by the loss of the Steel Electrics in late 2007. The Legislature is providing Whidbey Island with $10,000 that will go toward marketing efforts to help mitigate the limited ferry service plaguing the Keystone-to-Port Townsend ferry route.

By Nathan Whalen • April 28, 2009 6:08 pm

Another ferry for Keystone isn’t the only thing coming out of the legislative session that will help businesses affected by the loss of the Steel Electrics in late 2007.

The Legislature is providing Whidbey Island with $10,000 that will go toward marketing efforts to help mitigate the limited ferry service plaguing the Keystone-to-Port Townsend ferry route.

Coupeville Mayor Nancy Conard said she hasn’t seen the language tied to the money. Last year, Whidbey Island received $25,000 provided through the state Department of Community, Trade and Economic Development.

Conard said a joint committee was formed, comprising of members of the Chamber of Commerce, the Historic Waterfront Association and the lodging association. Whether that committee is reconstituted to spend the new $10,000 is unknown.

Last year’s funding paid for a visitor information guide that was distributed throughout the ferry system and along the I-5 corridor. It also paid for a DVD that was shown at ferry terminals and for Internet advertising.