10.27.15

Senator Cantwell Applauds $10 Million TIGER Grants to Update Mukilteo Ferry Terminal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded the announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation that the Washington State Department of Transportation received a $10 million TIGER (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) grant to update the Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal. The Mukilteo-Clinton ferry route is the busiest route for vehicle traffic and is a key component of SR 525, which connects residents of Whidbey Island to Seattle and Everett metro areas.

“Our state’s ferry system is a key part of the highway system, taking commuters to work and goods to market. As ferry traffic continues to grow throughout the Puget Sound, it’s critical we invest in our aging ferry system. This grant will not only update the Mukilteo Multimodal Ferry Terminal to more efficiently move people and products, but will clean up toxic debris from the Sound and restore public access to the Mukilteo waterfront,” said Senator Cantwell.

Earlier this year, Senator Cantwell urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx to consider replacing the aging terminal in order to dramatically improve one of the state’s most important transportation networks in Northwest Washington. 

The new Mukilteo terminal will:

  • Improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, vehicles and bicycles
  • Improve the efficiency and reliability of ferry operations, including vehicle and passenger loading and unloading
  • Improve transit connections for riders who travel without a car and help ensure reliable multimodal connections 
  • Reduce the ferry-related congestion along Mukilteo’s central waterfront
  • Provide public access to the Mukilteo waterfront
  • Supports Economic Growth: Strengthens transportation in the growing Seattle region by replacing a ferry terminal serving 3.9 million riders – over half of whom are commuters – and handling over four million tons of freight per year. Increases efficiency and capacity by loading pedestrians and vehicles simultaneously.
  • Expands affordable, healthy transportation options, including bicycling and walking. Improves connections to public transit, beaches, parks, and trails. Enhances accessibility and provides new open spaces.

 

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