The Everett Connector is likely to be restored by a bill that is expected to be signed by Gov. Jay Inslee in the coming weeks.

The state House of Representatives and Senate approved $1 million in the 2015-17 biennial budget to reinstate the Everett Connector.

The governor has 20 days to act on the bill once his office receives it, likely this week.

State Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano, succeeded in attaching an amendment for the Everett Connector to the House’s multimodal transportation bill in April.

The Everett Connector, which runs between Bellingham and Everett with a stop on Camano Island, was cut late last year.

“I’m excited about that,” Hayes said last week about the Senate’s approval of the funding.

“It’s a great service that has always proven to be a very popular commuter service. It takes cars off the road,” Hayes said. “It’s a very good thing.”

The money would be split between the two transit systems, though the percentage is yet to be determined.

The $1 million allotted for the Everett Connector comes with a concrete requirement — Island Transit must implement a fare system to be eligible for the funding.

Island County is only one of a handful of transit systems statewide that remain free, according to Ken Graska, IT interim executive director.

In fact, he added, IT is the largest free system.

“It’s super rare,” Graska said.

Hayes said he suggested the fare box — which has been an ongoing discussion — to show fellow legislators the good faith of Island Transit, a system that has been embroiled in financial problems in recent years.

“I made it clear that Island Transit is under new management and the assistance helps Island Transit prove they are on a positive track to correct issues from the past,” Hayes said.

The IT board announced in recent weeks that it will be initiating a fare feasibility study with a June 16 deadline and a $30,000 cap.

While the Everett Connector appears to be on the road to recovery, Island County riders must brace for the loss of two off-island routes in the wake of a number of cuts over the last year.

Route 411W, is the only route off Whidbey Island. It runs from Oak Harbor to March Point Road near Anacortes. Route 411C, is one of only a few routes that run off Camano Island, but is the only route that runs from Camano Island to Mount Vernon.

IT posted on its website this week that both Route 411W and Route 411C will be discontinued effective Monday, Aug. 3.

All other services from Camano to Stanwood will remain in tact, Graska said.

A new Route 4 will continue to service North Whidbey stops from Oak Harbor Station to Deception Pass.

Last year’s severe route cuts, which included laying off more than 20 people, were necessary to help stabilize the transit system’s finances according to IT board members.

Island County Commissioner Jill Johnson, who serves on the IT board, said last week that maintaining the off-island routes would “keep the organization on the financial edge for too long.”

Johnson and Commissioner Rick Hannold each criticized neighboring counties for a lack of cooperation during their regular Island County board meeting last week.

“Island County is footing the bill for Skagit and Snohomish counties,” said Commissioner Rick Hannold, who also serves on the IT board. “We need some cooperation there.”

Hannold last week recommended that residents contact their state legislators if they feel strongly about the routes.

Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, said Tuesday it is her hope to reach out to Skagit County representatives to find out what they need to keep that route in place.