They find new corrosion in another Ferry..

[Waterbuffalo]

From the Seattle times, the article can be found here:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2004089181_webferry23.html

"Inspectors find hull corrosion on another ferry

By The Associated Press

SEATTLE — Inspectors have discovered corrosion inside the hull of the second-oldest ferry operating on state waters.

The corrosion was found Saturday in the engine room of the 53-year-old Evergreen State. Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Todd Howard says the vessel will be inspected again on Friday after crews clean away some of the corrosion.

Inspection of the 60-year-old Rhododendron, the oldest vessel still running, is expected to wrap up soon.

The Coast Guard ordered inspections for a dozen Washington state ferries after the state's 80-year-old Steel Electric-class boats were pulled from service in November because of concerns about hull corrosion, cracks and other problems."

[Chief]

Stand by for high winds, and heavy seas in the New Year over the condition of these ferries. See my comments on the other thread...

This ain't gonna be cheap. That $100 Million the Governor just threw at this problem is going to be a drop in the bucket.

How many more ferries can the State of Washington afford to remove from service?? How many of these older ferries do they dare try to leave in service??

Developing....

[Waterbuffalo]

Should I get my buttered popcorn and pop with a case of a finest wine/beer for you so we can watch the Political festivities during the state Legislative session? Honestly Chief, I think both of us should be emailing our state legislative critters on what we think should be done.... (Probably start now so they have some idea on how some of us feel down here about replacing the fleet or a portion of it.)

You shall remember that several of the Vancouver and Clark County state legislators hold "KEY" positions in both houses including Sen. Pridemore on the House Ways and Means..
feels this topic might turn political.....

[Chief]

I don't feel comfortable enough yet that the whole problem has been presented. This whole situation has been spiraling around the drain faster and faster, as more and more information comes out. I'll hold my fire until we hear about these other inspections after the 1st of the year...

I agree that this is going to be a political hot potato for some time to come...

[Waterbuffalo]

I'd say this political firestorm should NOT fall totally on Chris Gregoire or Dino Rossi or any of the next governors..

These failures of fixing these boats falls on all of the past govenors who failed to act and used surpluses to line pockets instead of building the boats needed to solve the problem. Its just going to end up in one governor's lap instead of a string of failures of inattention and pass-to-the-left-to-the-future.

Saddens me to see such a total lack of respect and responsibility...