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San Juan County lead a pilot project to establish marine transportation services throughout the County. These services included emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services was provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office. The pilot project concluded on June 30, 2025.
Project Background
In August of 2024, Council issued a request to the Governor’s Office for ‘executive relief’ from ferry service disruptions, providing a 180-day proposal. This request was granted in September when WA State Governor Jay Inslee traveled to Friday Harbor to announce an award of $1.5 million from the Department of Commerce’s Emergency Rapid Response fund, with a contract finalized in November.
In the winter of 2024/2025, County staff developed Requests for Proposals for three services and outlined the scope of work. In the Spring of 2025, Council reviewed the proposals, selected operators, and executed the contracts. Services became available the week of April 14, 2025 and ran through June 30, 2025.
San Juan County lead a pilot project to establish marine transportation services throughout the County. These services included emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services was provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office. The pilot project concluded on June 30, 2025.
Project Background
In August of 2024, Council issued a request to the Governor’s Office for ‘executive relief’ from ferry service disruptions, providing a 180-day proposal. This request was granted in September when WA State Governor Jay Inslee traveled to Friday Harbor to announce an award of $1.5 million from the Department of Commerce’s Emergency Rapid Response fund, with a contract finalized in November.
In the winter of 2024/2025, County staff developed Requests for Proposals for three services and outlined the scope of work. In the Spring of 2025, Council reviewed the proposals, selected operators, and executed the contracts. Services became available the week of April 14, 2025 and ran through June 30, 2025.
After 10 weeks of service, the County’s Marine Transportation Services Pilot Project is complete! These services included emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services was provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office.
The County is interested in your experiences, feedback, and ideas! This 10-minute follow-up survey will help us evaluate the project and consider adjustments for potential future services.
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San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
San Juan County experiences significant disruptions to Washington State Ferry Services. County staff and elected officials meet with the WA State Governor and WSF staff to discuss possible solutions.
Summer 2024
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
San Juan County develops and submits a legislative ask to the Governor's Office for foot-passenger marine transit and on call barge services.
Early Fall 2024
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
The Governor authorizes the Emergency Rapid Response funding to be utilized by San Juan County for emergency transportation services.
November 12, 2024
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
San Juan County signs the contract to accept and utilize funds.
Winter 2024/2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
County staff develop and post Requests for Proposals for all three pilot projects. During this time staff develop the Engage Page to compile all press and RFP information and submit all required contract documents to the Department of Commerce.
Spring 2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
The County executes an interim contract for Emergency Interisland Water Taxi service. Staff review the 11 proposals received for the three pilot projects and present recommendations to the Council.
Spring 2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
Council reviews the 11 proposals, selected operators, and directed staff to execute the contracts.
April 14 - June 30, 2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
Contracts are completed and services become available the week of April 14, 2025.
June 30, 2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services has finished this stage
Pilot project is complete.
July - Aug 2025
San Juan County Marine Transportation Services is currently at this stage
Data collection period. Follow-up survey is live and County staff work to compile final report.
September 2025
this is an upcoming stage for San Juan County Marine Transportation Services
San Juan County lead a pilot project to establish marine transportation services throughout the County. These services included emergency barge and foot-passenger transportation during disruptions to Washington State Ferry (WSF) service as well as travel to and from the mainland (Anacortes) on a daily basis. Each of these services was provided at no cost to the passengers, subsidized by the County’s emergency funding awarded by the Governor’s Office. The pilot project concluded on June 30, 2025. 
