On April 30, 2007, The Metropolitan King County Council created the King County Ferry District to expand transportation options for county residents by enabling potential operation of passenger-only ferry service to various parts of the county, including service to Vashon Island, the Eastside, and South Puget Sound. All nine members of the Council sit as the District's Board of Supervisors.
Current role
The District supports operation of Vashon-Seattle passenger-only ferries and year-round Elliott Bay Water Taxi service; conducts feasibility studies of future routes; and is establishing a modest capital fund for better boats and dock facilities.
Demonstration routes
Other potential destinations that could be served include Kenmore, Kirkland, Renton, Ballard/Shilshole and Des Moines.
Funding
Under legislative authority to counties provided by the state in 2003, local ferry districts receive funding for operations through a property tax levy. The King County Ferry District will refine costs and schedules in anticipation of setting a rate later in the year sufficient to provide the services decided upon.
State and federal funds have already been allocated to construct new dock facilities in West Seattle and Vashon. The proceeds from the sale of the state’s current passenger-only ferries have also been pledged to the King County Ferry District because it has assumed financial responsibility for the Vashon-Seattle service.
