Currently, sitting on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) desk in Olympia is a unique proposal to replace four small, outdated ferries with brand new “Island Class” boats built right here in Washington by a family-owned shipyard that hires union workers.

Under a plan put together by long-time Tacoma shipbuilder J. M. Martinac, the state’s ferry system could have four new 130-car, 1,200-passenger ferries with the first delivery set for 2004. These new boats would replace the Steel Electric Class boats built in 1927-the same year Charles Lindberg flew non-stop across the Atlantic.

The new “Island Class” ferries would be perfect for less-traveled runs like the Port Townsend-Keystone route, where service sometimes is delayed or canceled by low tides or foul weather. With the new “Island Class” boats, Martinac believes service would be more dependable because the new boats can more precisely navigate the narrow channel approaching the Keystone Dock on Whidbey Island.

Martinac proposes to build and lease the ferries to the state and then turn over ownership in 15 years. They estimate their proposal will save Washington taxpayers $200 million — $80 million in construction costs, another $80 million in financing, and $40 million in lower maintenance costs.

The leasing proposal would change the way DOT does business. It usually designs the boat, goes to the legislature for financing, and contracts for the boat’s construction. DOT is not used to having the private sector hand them a proposal already engineered, designed, and financed.

Put another way, Martinac’s plan is like a bus company going to the dealer and picking out a fleet of the same buses and then leasing them rather than designing them, finding manufacturers to bid on building them and then buying them outright when finished.

The legislature and DOT should look carefully at the Martinac plan. Martinac believes it has designed a boat that meets all of DOT requirements and the Coast Guard’s safety standards. It represents an approach that could save millions — millions that could be used for additional ferries or roads.

If the leasing plan makes sense and requires legislative approval, lawmakers coming to Olympia in January ought to give DOT the direction to move ahead, then let Martinac, Todd, or some other shipyard in the state bid to win the contract.

Under Referendum 51 (Ref 51), the transportation plan on the November ballot, the ferry system would receive $681 million for a variety of items including four new boats. Voters are more likely to approve Ref 51 if they’re confident that DOT and the legislature are looking for new ways to solve our transportation crisis and get more for their tax dollars.