Ferrynomics Under Fire? Washington's Hybrid Future & The Statewide Bidding Battle ⛴️💸 THE PLOT TWIST!

Hold onto your life jackets, Washington! We were just celebrating the massive economic win of building our new hybrid-electric ferry fleet right here in the Evergreen State. The promise? Nearly 1,300 local jobs and a $338 million revenue boost for Washington businesses per ferry. A slam dunk for our economy, our skilled workers, and our maritime future, right?

Well, there's a new current in this story. According to the Washington State Standard, the state has now opened up the bidding for the construction of these five crucial hybrid-electric ferries to shipyards nationwide. This is a major shift from our decades-long tradition of keeping Washington ferry construction within Washington borders.

Why the change of course? The stated goals are to increase competition, potentially reel in lower costs, and speed up the process of getting these much-needed greener vessels on the water. These are understandable aims, especially with the urgency to modernize our fleet and reduce emissions.

But here's the rub, and it's a big one for the Pacific Northwest: This decision to potentially send construction out-of-state could mean watching that incredible economic engine – those jobs, those wages, that business revenue – sail away from our shores. It's a high-stakes gamble, trading guaranteed local benefits for the possibility of savings and speed.

And let's not forget, we have the talent right here! Companies like MD Marine Electric, based right here in Tacoma, have a proven track record. They've been involved in building ferries before and have the capability and expertise to tackle these new hybrid-electric giants. They, and other Washington-based companies, represent the skilled workforce that stands to lose if these contracts go elsewhere.

The original study by Martin Associates was clear: building in-state means a direct investment of over $325 million per ferry into our economy, creating jobs, and generating millions in state and local taxes. Can we afford to let that economic powerhouse leave the PNW?

This is no longer just a story about new ferries; it's a critical debate about Washington's economic priorities. Do we prioritize potential cost savings and faster timelines by looking nationwide, or do we double down on investing in our local skilled workforce and keeping those significant economic benefits right here at home?

The waters just got a lot choppier. What do YOU think Washington should do?

#Ferrynomics #MadeInWAOrNationwide #SupportLocalPNW #HybridFerries #WashingtonJobsDebate #MaritimeFuture #MDMarineElectric