A project that will replace a 40-year-old diesel-powered ship with a new all-electric ferry marked another milestone,

Skagit County, Washington reports that the state legislature has finalized its 2022 transportation appropriation package. Among other appropriations, the legislation provides $14 million for the fully-fledged ferry replacement project. electrical from Guemes. This funding complements the funding for the project, according to the department.

“This project is vital to the residents of Guemes Island and has been a long time coming,” said Commissioner Peter Browning, who currently serves as Chairman of the County Board of Commissioners. “We are extremely excited to begin construction on the project. »

The Guemes Ferry Replacement Project will replace the current 40-year-old M/V Guemes with a new all-electric ferry, designed by Glosten. The ferry is expected to enter full service by 2025.

The new vessel will be a double vehicle and passenger ferry with a three-level deckhouse. The design accommodates four lanes of vehicles, including highway-legal trucks and emergency vehicles.

“The M/V Guemes is nearing the end of its useful life and we need to replace it imminently,” said Commissioner Ron Wesen. “To have such overwhelming support from our entire legislative delegation to not just replace the boat, but to replace it with an all-electric vessel, is wonderful. We are truly blessed here in the Skagit.

Commissioner Lisa Janicki said: “The M/V Guemes operates 365 days a year and with funding from the Climate Commitment Act we will remove these large diesel engines from the Salish Sea and provide reliable transportation to Guemes Island.