Two new ferries need two new names

Two new ferries need two new names

Washington State FerryToday I saw a request for name suggestions for Washington State’s newest additions to the ferry fleet. I’ve got a dozen or so ideas that I’ll be submitting, and you can too by following the directions outlined in the news release below. Now before you start submitting things like S.S. Minnow, Ship of Fools or Taxpayer’s Folly, keep in mind that the Washington State Transportation Commission has certain requirements – such as names being consistant with the rest of the fleet’s names and reflecting our state’s storied history among others.

Read below for details:

Washington State Transportation Commission invites statewide participation

Posted 8.1.12

Transportation Commission Office – PO Box 47308 – Olympia, WA 98504-7308 (360) 705-7070

Date: August 1, 2012

Contact:  Reema Griffith, Transportation Commission Executive Director, 360-705-7070

OLYMPIA – Construction of two new Olympic Class 144-car ferries is under way and the Washington State Transportation Commission invites people statewide to get involved by submitting name ideas for the boats.

Washington State Ferries has 23 vessels in its fleet and many have names reflecting the state’s tribal heritage. The most recently-named vessels in the Kwa-di Tabil Class – Chetzemoka, Salish and Kennewick – are in keeping with that tradition.

The commission will follow these guidelines to assess ferry name proposals:

  • Names should carry statewide significance and represent our state’s image and culture.
  • Specifically, names should represent such things as state-adopted symbols, tribal names, names of bodies of water, geographic locations, cities, counties, or relate to nautical heritage.
  • Consideration will be given to the consistency with existing WSF fleet names.
  • Names should have broad familiarity, are non‐offensive, and meet ethical standards.
  • Names with commercial overtones or names honoring or commemorating individuals should be avoided, but will be considered upon careful review.

Proposals must establish how the name conforms to the commission’s guidelines; provide background information on the proposed name; and demonstrate widespread public support, commonly done via local media stories, letters of support from local/regional/ state bodies and officials, or local petitions.

Naming proposals must be received by close of business Wednesday, Sept. 26. Proposals may be mailed or emailed to:

Washington State Transportation Commission P.O. Box 47308 Olympia, WA 98504-7308

Email: transc@wsdot.wa.gov

Following the deadline, the commission will begin a review and public comment process on eligible name proposals. This process will consider input from Washington State Ferries, the Ferry Advisory Committee executive council, and the general public. Final selection of the two vessel names will occur at the commission’s Nov. 13 meeting in Tacoma.

Additional information on ferry naming can be found on the commission website at:    http://www.wstc.wa.gov/Naming/default.htm

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Information Accommodation requests for people with disabilities can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Compliance team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711.

Title VI Statement to Public WSDOT ensures full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by prohibiting discrimination against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or sex in the provision of benefits and services resulting from its federally assisted programs and activities. For questions regarding WSDOT’s Title VI Program, you may contact the Department’s Title VI Coordinator at 360-705-7098 or 509-324-6018.

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About Washington Our Home

My name is Erich Ebel and I love this state. I’ve lived on the green side as well as the brown side. I’ve navigated the rivers and climbed the mountains. I’ve fished its lakes, hiked its trails, marveled at its geology, and studied its fascinating, storied history. I’ve spent the past ten years discovering and sharing stories about Washington’s history, heritage, and culture. My blog, videos, and podcasts hold a treasure trove of interesting facts, unknown facets, and fascinating tales that help to educate the general public about the privileges of being in Washington. I’m the current chair of the City of Lacey Historical Commission, and previously served as Marketing and Communications Director for the Washington State Historical Society and Museum. I’ve been a board member for the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation, and the History Insider for Scenic Washington magazine.

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