Cut Off

The value of ferry service in the Northwest United States has never been in question, yet last weekend solidified the importance of water transport to the region. Aging infrastructure and poor weather conspired to isolate Port Townsend from the mainland this week, according to a report in the Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader (www.ptleader.com). Severe weather conspired to close a major roadway, which was closed in three places due to storm damage from a strong storm system. At the same time, Washington State Ferries is grappling with a plan of action on scrapping or saving its aging Steel Electric ferries, ferries with 80-year-old hulls.