Skagit County rejects bids for construction of Guemes Island electric ferry

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners on January 22nd, voted to reject all submitted bids for construction of the Guemes Island electric ferry.

The County Commissioners have rejected the bids because the estimated costs to complete construction of the ferry were higher than the available funds for the project, according to a news release from the county. After evaluating all phases of the project, including vessel construction, terminal modifications, and shoreside battery charging stations, Skagit County is approximately $13M short of the new estimated costs. Project estimates have increased due to higher costs for construction materials and labor.

The County Commissioners have submitted a request to the Washington State legislature for $12M in capital funding to help cover the additional costs for the electric ferry.

The County Commissioners are dedicated to improving the Guemes Island ferry service and will continue to search for funding opportunities for the Guemes Island electric ferry. Updates on the progress of the project will be released when they are available.