Whidbey shipbuilder wants a shot at the next ferry contract
OLYMPIA — A Whidbey Island boat builder is creating waves around a plan to build the state’s next 144-car ferry — and the first to be partially powered by electricity — through an old contract held by one of its competitors.
Nichols Brothers of Freeland wants lawmakers to put the potential $187 million project out for public bid rather than modify and extend a contract with Portland-based Vigor, the firm which oversaw construction of the four newest 144-car Olympic Class vessels in the Washington State Ferries fleet. Vigor has major shipbuilding facilities in Seattle.
Officials of Nichols Brothers are concerned bills under consideration in the Senate and House could not only steer work on the hybrid boat to Vigor but another four vessels after that.
“All Nichols Brothers is looking for is a fair process for new boats that are going to be procured by the state,” said Jeff DeVere, the company’s lobbyist.
Some lawmakers share his concerns and are working to retool the legislation in both chambers.
“I want to do what is in the best interests of the citizens,” said Sen. Curtis King, R-Yakima, the ranking Republican on the Senate Transportation Committee, who has questioned proceeding without bids. “How do we know we are getting the best bang for our buck?”
Given the urgency to get new ferries launched and a potential for a protracted bidding process, majority Democrats seem likely to sign off on at least one boat without going to bid.
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