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State to review adequacy of ferry service on Lake Chelan
 
Oct. 9, 2009

State to review adequacy of ferry service on Lake Chelan
Public meetings set for Chelan County

OLYMPIA, Wash. – State regulators invite the public to weigh in on the adequacy of transportation services between Stehekin and Chelan and discuss how rate and service regulation of the commercial-ferry operations might be improved.

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) has scheduled the two meetings for Oct. 19 in Stehekin and Chelan.

WHAT
Two public meetings on the rate and service regulation of commercial-ferry service on Lake Chelan.

WHO
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

WHEN and WHERE
Monday, Oct. 19

11 a.m.
Community Hall
Stehekin

7 p.m.
Council Chambers
City of Chelan
135 E. Johnson Ave.

BACKGROUND

Lake Chelan Boat Co., based in Chelan, Wash., operates year-round passenger commercial ferry service from Chelan to Stehekin with intermediate stops along the way. The company, which has exclusive rights for ferry service along the lake, carries about 25,000 passengers a year. The company was first issued an operating permit from the UTC in 1929.

A bill signed into law this year directs the commission to study the feasibility of rate and service regulation of commercial ferry-service operations on Lake Chelan. The new law requires the commission to report its recommendations to the state Legislature by the end of the year.

The commission seeks citizen input regarding the adequacy of current ferry service, the economic and other impacts of reduced ferry schedules, and long-term feasibility of regulated ferry service in the face of rising fuel and other costs and reduced tourism during the current economic slowdown.

Members of the public who are unable to attend the meetings but wish to comment on this matter can mail their correspondence to: P.O. Box 47250 Olympia, Wash., 98504; e-mail comments to comments@utc.wa.gov or call toll-free 1-888-333-9882. The commission’s deadline for accepting comments is Nov. 6.

The commission regulates the rates and service territories of eight private commercial ferry companies in Washington. The UTC does not regulate charter or excursion-boat services.