Money approved for ferry study

Will a state-owned ferry system prove seaworthy?

Transportation officials are expected to find out after lawmakers approved funding a study on establishing a publicly owned fleet similar to Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the United States.

The bill, which provides $50,000, passed both chambers Tuesday. It still requires Gov. David Ige’s signature.

The measure comes after the Senate passed a resolution last year requesting the same study.

The Department of Transportation, which says it strongly supports the bill, said it needed additional funding to carry out the request.

According to the bill, the study will include: comparison of successful ferry systems, including those in Washington state and Alaska; compliance with state environmental laws; appropriate routes and harbors; costs and revenue potential; financing options, including rates and fees; type and design, including capacity for passengers, vehicles and cargo; impacts on traffic congestion; and spread of invasive species.

A publicly owned ferry system would be different from the Superferry, a private venture that sailed from 2007-09. It shut down after a judge ruled it unconstitutional to continue without a full environmental review.

Sen. Lorraine Inouye, D-North Hawaii, was a co-sponsor of the bill.