The County Council will mostly likely be making a decision this evening on whether or not to replace the Whatcom Chief. I love that little ferry, but have to admit that it is old and run down. It has served us well for many years. If I remember correctly, it was put into service in 1961, so that makes it about 47 years old.

The Chief is dry docked on a regular schedule for maintenance, and usually this involves engine work, fresh coat of paint, etc. But lately, the repairs have been more extensive. The hull undergoes x-ray inspections, and all too often is showing weak spots due to excessive rust. These sections of the hull must be literally cut out and new sheets welded into place. This is very costly.

Now, I'm the first person in line to raise my hand and say, "What we have is fine. Let's just refurbish it." But, in this case, I'm persuaded by the evidence that the dear old Whatcom Chief needs to be retired. County Council member Sam Crawford says he believes it needed replacing 15 years ago.

The proposed replacement ferry will hold 35 cars, compared to the current load of 20. That's almost double current capacity, and that is a great thing. However, it comes with a price tag. The increased capacity also means the current docks will not host the new ferry. They will need to be rebuilt to accommodate the larger craft.

real boats have a pointy end.
I think that before they design a new boat, they might want to insure the mainland dock location. Design the boat to navigate the waters it will be travelling.
If the Lummi Business council declines to renew the dock location contract, where will the vessel land?
Fairhaven, at the Alaska terminal?
Cherry Point might be good, but unprotected from weather, and the enviros already are trying to stop any expansion to Cherry Point.
That leaves Anacortes.( not very practical.)
What about those poor folks from Point Roberts? If they had a Ferry they wouldn't have to cross 4 borders just to come to the rest of Whatcom County. (Cherry Point, to Lummi Island to Point Roberts)
The council can still vote to accept State money, Approximately $8 million and still design the boat.

As a practical matter, a 35 car boat may not get more folks across the water as it currently takes longer to load a 20 car boat than the journey across the ditch takes.

The best solution would be to sell Lummi Island, it's docks and it's Ferry to San Juan County. Then those nice folks could see what real Island living is like...

So on another thought, should folks in Lynden pay for a new boat? What does Lummi Island contribute to our local county economy? Everyone who lives on Lummi Island should remember that there was small ferry when they moved there and the rest of the county is subsidizing it for them.

However a bridge would not be cost effective. It would cost Billions. Hales Pass is a mud bottom. Deep mud. check your depth sounder and one will notice how soft the bottom is. It would also have to be built very high as a floating bridge would interfere with North/South Tugboat traffic during Storms, when the outside passage is too rough and dangerous for even the Foss Tugs. Not only that, but the Gillnetters and Seiners fish the area for Silvers, Chums and Kings during the Late summer and Fall. It would be as dangerous as the Hood Canal bridge.

Also, there are 3 administrative jobs in the county that are funded by the Ferry Budget, and none of the 3 of them do anything except hinder the operations of those who actually WORK on the boat.

There, thats my two cents worth.

No Charge...

---

You better laugh at yourself,
Everyone else is.

www.parkenfarkergroup.blogspot.com

Carl Weimer played this off as the steel plating on the ferry not being that big of a deal. I'm not a marine engineer, so I can't really weigh in on this with any sort of expertise. If we can keep the chief going, and be SAFE in doing so, then great! it will save having to redo the docks at each end, although the idea of moving 35 cars at a time rather than 20 is pretty appealing.

---

It looks like the Whatcom Chief is here to stay. Council voted 4-2 last evening to keep the little Chief going. The grant of $8 million from the state expires next week.