Mukilteo parking unlikely soon

More parking in Mukilteo for people wanting to walk on the ferry and visit Whidbey Island likely won’t be happening soon, according to Curt Gordon, president of the Port of South Whidbey.

He and Langley Mayor Larry Kwarsick visited Mukilteo Mayor Joe Marine last month to discuss the island’s parking needs. Commuters and visitors have had trouble finding parking spaces, particularly since Mukilteo took over the former state park next to the ferry terminal.

A letter from Marine to Kwarsick dated Nov. 21 said, “We are encouraged by your enthusiasm to look for an interim joint project and share in long-term solutions for parking in Mukilteo that serves Whidbey Island and the Mukilteo Multimodal Project.” Langley wanted to start with some parking spaces so people could catch a van in Clinton that would take them to Langley.

Marine went on to cite the old Air Force tank farm property as future parking once it’s transferred to the Port of Everett. Sound Transit has already installed some parking there and wants more. Marine stated a parking feasibility study will begin in 2013 to study parking for commuters and Mukilteo waterfront and business users.

“We applaud the city of Langley for being foresighted enough to apply for a grant for funding an interim solution with van service from Clinton to Langley,” Marine wrote.

However, Gordon said the van approach may be long in coming because Langley did not place high on the grant funding priorities list.

“They’re not on top and the chance of funding is not really good,” he said. Still, he added, “I’m begging them for a few dedicated spaces” for people wanting to walk on a ferry to visit Whidbey. “It’s maybe five to six years down the road.”

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.