Woke Pacific Northwest state loses a THIRD of its lifeline ferry services because lawmakers are obsessed with using ELECTRIC boats
Almost a third of the lifeline ferries operating in Washington state are out of action because of lawmakers' obsessions with electric boats, Republicans have claimed.
Six out of the 21 vessels used for critical operations off the coast of the Pacific Northwest state are currently unable to sail, according to the Seattle Times.
Two of the boats have been out of action due to 'unexpected mechanical issues' since January 1, while four are on planned maintenance, per the paper.
Local conservative outlet the Seattle Red has placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and his predecessor, Jay Inslee.
The newspaper has claimed their alleged 'obsession' with expensive 'battery-powered and hybrid-electric ferries' has rinsed public funding, leaving the existing fleet in a state of disrepair.
Washington state's ferries are 40 years old on average, according to the paper, many with missing propellers, overheated shafts and failing engines.
'None of this is shocking when hundreds of millions of dollars in maintenance were deferred while politicians chased a green legacy,' the paper states.
Washington's lawmakers spent hundreds of thousands on converting the fleet to electric hybrid vessels, including $86 million on the Wenatchee ship.
Almost a third of the lifeline ferries operating in Washington state are out of action because of lawmakers' obsessions with electric boats, Republicans have claimed
Local conservative outlet the Seattle Red has placed the blame squarely on the shoulders of Washington Governor Bob Ferguson (pictured) and his predecessor, Jay Inslee
This one-year project was slated to cost $50 million, according to the Seattle Times, but wound up costing $36 million more while taking two years.
During this time, the state was losing old ships as they fell into disrepair, while the hybrid vessels proved difficult to operate and many spent time out of service.
Democrat Governor Ferguson is projected to spend $6.2 billion on the hybrid fleet by 2040, according to the Seattle Red.
He acknowledged that the fleet was 'aging and vulnerable' in an X post shared Monday, while proposing a $1 billion bill for new vessels.
'We have three ferries — the Tacoma, Walla Walla and Kittitas — out of service for emergency repairs,' Ferguson wrote.
'This underscores the need to invest in our fleet. We worked hard over the past year to restore full domestic service, but our fleet is aging and vulnerable.
'That’s why I’m proposing $1 billion to purchase critically needed new vessels, and $150 million to help keep our existing fleet on the water.'
Six out of the 21 vessels used for critical operations off the coast of the Pacific Northwest state are currently unable to sail, according to the Seattle Times
The Daily Mail has contacted Ferguson's office for comment.
The Washington State Department of Transport ferry fleet comprises 21 vessels which travel across the Puget Sound and greater Salish Sea daily.
It's the largest ferry system in the United States, and the ships travel between Tacoma and Friday Harbor, providing a key marine highway for businesses, tourists and daily commuters.
