The Washington State Ferries are a defining feature of Anacortes in so many ways. Not only are they beautiful to watch as they come and go, they bring tourist dollars through, provide lots of jobs, are a vital link to the rest of our treasured San Juan Islands and give us an amazing, international connection to Vancouver Island and the residents of Sidney and Victoria, BC.

The ferry run to Vancouver Island from Anacortes is once again in danger of being eliminated by the State of Washington as a "cost saving" measure. Once again, no one is considering the huge economic impact this ferry run has on our area. This is one of the few state ferry runs that actually operates in the black when all is said and done.

Below is part of an announcement from our Anacortes Director of the Chamber of Commerce, Mitch Everton, regarding community action to save this ferry:

"In her current budget, the Governor has proposed elimination of the Anacortes-Sidney ferry run.

A community meeting to save the international ferry run is scheduled for Wenesday, January 7 @ 6:00 p.m. in the City Council chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to share information about the impact of this decision, provide contact information, and lay out an action plan.

Please put this on your calendar and plan on attending. The impact of this decision on our local economy will be potentially significant. It will take a concerted effort to turn the tide on this, especially given the dire situation of our state budget. "

The last time we had to rally to save our ferry, the state thought the private ferries to BC that operate out of Seattle would serve the demand just fine. We love those ferries, too, but given the popularity of the ferry runs from Seattle and Anacortes, believe that there is a place in the market for both to operate successfully. It is true that the state ferries aren't as glamorous and are a little rough around the edges on the creature comforts sometimes, but they serve a critical need in our island transportation network.

If you are from Anacortes or just have a fond memory of the San Juan Islands or the ferry system (this one in particular), please speak up! Backpackers, bikers, kayakers and sight-seers beware! If we lose this ferry, it will be gone forever, and with it, a big part of the San Juan experience.

If you can't be at the meeting, send me your comments or send them to the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. You can find them at www.anacortes.org.

We need your help!