At the August 5, 2024 Ferry Target Report meeting, something important happened — and it deserves your full attention.

Public Works Director Grace Kane recommended service cuts. Ferry Captain Rachel Rowe pushed back, questioning how Federal Ferry Boat Program (FBP) grant money was being used. Rowe said it was for operations — to keep the ferry running. Kane said it was for capital projects — like the parking lot.

So… what money are we talking about?

Let’s break it down.

On June 26, 2023, the Guemes Island Ferry was allocated $350,740 from the Federal Ferry Boat Program.

Public Works decided to use those funds for Operations and Maintenance (O&M) — a smart move to avoid losing them, since the new FBP rules now allow this.

On March 29, 2024, another $286,890 was requested and approved for O&M expenses — confirmed by both the federal source and the county.

That means Captain Rowe was right. These funds were for operating the ferry — not building parking lots.

Here’s where it gets messy.

When the county created Resolution 20230152 on July 27, 2023, the language excluded these federal funds — and any other new revenue sources — from being counted toward the ferry’s 65% fare recovery target.

Only two sources were included:

The Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax (MVFT) attributable to the ferry.

The WSDOT deficit reimbursement.

That’s it.
No mention of the FBP funds — even though the county already knew they had them.

Why does that matter?

Because by omitting those funds, the Revenue Target Report for 2024 makes it look like the ferry system is underperforming — which helps justify rate hikes and service cuts.

But here’s the truth:
Those missing funds could have been credited toward operations — reducing the need for a 30% fare increase that’s about to hit you, the riders, and the residents who rely on this service every single day.

So… where did the money actually go?

It likely subsidized the County Road Fund.
Or as some would say, it was used to reduce the ferry’s draw from that fund.
Either way, the result is the same: the ferry didn’t get full credit for the revenue it actually earned.

Here’s what needs to happen now.

The Skagit County Board of Commissioners needs to:

Credit all ferry-related revenue — including FBP funds — in the fare target calculations.

Hit pause before approving any massive rate hike.

Ask hard questions about why projected 2024 expenditures are nearly $2 million higher than in 2022.

Because, if no one asks, “how is that possible?” No one fixes it.

You and I both know what happens when people stay quiet: nothing changes.
But when we speak up, respectfully, clearly, and relentlessly we hold leaders accountable, we create clarity, and we make progress.

This isn’t about blame.
It’s about transparency, fairness, and common sense.

The ferry isn’t just a boat it’s a lifeline for this community.
Let’s make sure it’s treated that way.