Washington State Ferries has mapped out its plan for a new look Fauntleroy terminal, riding the tide of community input to select a concept promising greater efficiency and capacity. In an announcement made earlier, the agency detailed a proposed design that would amp up the dock space to accommodate up to 155 vehicles, a marked increase from the 80 today's terminal can handle.
Addressing the need for a fresher terminal that would stand up to the demands of over two million passengers a year, the existing Fauntleroy terminal which was constructed in the 1950s, presently serves as a conduit linking West Seattle with Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula. According to Washington State Department of Transportation's website, John Vezina, WSF's Senior Director of External Relations, highlighted the extensive community engagement backing this project.
As stated by Vezina on the WSDOT website, "Continuing our robust community engagement on the project, we are hosting a virtual information session and an online open house to share the screening results and alternative selected for further environmental review." He embellished on the community's involvement, revealing, "We received more than 1,300 comments and hosted seven community meetings, 32 advisory group meetings and two online open houses. Community feedback helped us evaluate alternatives and identify an alternative to advance into the environmental review phase."
Further refinement of the project promises to tread carefully around Cove Park and other ecologically sensitive spots. WSF aims to steer clear of these green areas while it forges ahead with the new terminal design. The public will have ample opportunity to dive deeper into the terminal plans both through an online open house, accessible from February 24 to March 21, and a virtual information session on March 11, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. via Zoom, requiring those interested to register in advance. A recording of the session will be posted online one week later for those who missed it the first time around or want to revisit the details.
For residents lacking broadband connectivity, the state offers a lifeline via free, temporary internet access to ensure full participation in reviewing and understanding these local developments. Information on this can be found through the state's drive-in WiFi hotspot location finder. One can follow along with the latest from WSF on their Facebook and Instagram pages, as well as keeping an eye on any breaking news that might arise in the arduous yet picturesque world of Washington ferry travel.
