To the editor:

We need Sen. Barbara Bailey to support funding for a new 144-car ferry this session. Building these ferries provides jobs at Nichols Brothers.

The new ferries are also needed to replace existing ferries that are near 60 years old, which is about the end of their practical life.

Remember when the Steel Electric ferries were retired in an emergency due to safety concerns, and the Port Townsend to Coupeville run was shut down?

The state brought in a temporary ferry that was woefully inadequate.

Commuters and businesses on Whidbey depend on the ferry system.

A new 144-car ferry will ultimately serve the Mukilteo to Clinton run. At the end of the session, Sen. Bailey needs to come home having delivered a new ferry.

Richard Milne

Langley