Despite calls from transportation experts for a statewide tax to maintain the ferry system, the idea appears to have gained little traction in Olympia.
“I don’t think you’ll see an (motor vehicle excise tax) or anything else that the Transportation Commission put forward,” said Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, who attended a briefing Monday about the state’s long-term ferry plan. “We’re looking at the transportation budget to see how we can accelerate the boat-building process without revenue increases. If we don’t have new state taxes and we’re serious about the ferry system, then we need some agreement on making the ferry system a priority for the first time in a decade.”
Postponing highway projects to meet ferry system needs by well-placed legislators, Rolfes added.
Read Ed Friedrich’s story about the the proposed ferry funding here.
Now this does not mean the COBI (Barry Peters et al) will not introduce a Bainbridge MVET, motor vehicle excise tax. B. Peters has waxed loningly for the introduction of a MVET. Keep you eye on him — it’s coming.
This is the $20 per vehicle per year per forever tax. Just what the taxpayers doesn’t need now or ever.