This is a letter we sent to Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen regarding the Keystone/Port Townsend ferry:

Transportation was a big winner in 2003, when we approved a $4.2 billion statewide investment package that was long overdue. “Now I will work to assure that the new revenue is used, above all, to make our state’s transportation system safer for all who use it.” Quoted from the 2004 government guide.

We understand there was enough money allocated to replace four of the aging ferries that have been withdrawn from service due to structure safety issues, namely the Quinault, Klickitat, Nisqually and Illahee, all of which are in the 80-year-old bracket.

My question to you, Mary Margaret Haugen, is what have you done with the money that was allocated for these four replacement vessels?

Does it take a disaster with the loss of lives before any action is taken? These are the questions that we as ferry riders are asking you.

Gene and Carol Skallerud

Oak Harbor