Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee

Purpose

The Committee provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County Council and Executive on issues that affect the ongoing operations and infrastructure of ferry service to Lummi Island. Review includes: proposed changes to ferry operations and fares; an annual review of the ferry fund; demands of and improvements to ferry services; and ferry replacement options. The Committee also provides a forum for those who depend upon Lummi Island ferry service to voice their ideas and concerns about the ferry service.

General Meeting Info 

  • The Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee generally meets on the 4th Wednesday of the month, 6-8 p.m. (Meetings in November & December 2024 may be adjusted due to holiday observances.)
  • Meetings are generally held at The Gathering Place, 3913 Legoe Bay Road, Lummi Island, or at the Whatcom County Public Works Department Office, 322 N. Commercial, Bellingham.
  • Meetings are open to the public. Community members who attend may provide public comment on issues related to ferry issues on Lummi Island. 
  • See the meeting agenda for specific meeting information, including the Zoom link to participate remotely (if avaliable). 

Members

The Whatcom County Ferry Advisory Committee (WCFAC) has 9 members appointed by the County Council:

  • Catherine Shornick
  • Richard Frye
  • Todd Lagestee
  • Pamela Gould
  • Diane Harper
  • Thomas Philpot
  • Janice Catrell
  • Carol Landt
  • Vacant

Membership Requirements

9 Members:

  • 5 members live or own property on the island. 
  • 2 members who live in unincorporated Whatcom County. 
  • 2 members who live anywhere on the mainland (incorporated or unincorporated, priority given to 1 Lummi Nation member when possible) 

-and-

  • 1 County Council member (ad hoc non-voting).

Vacancies

Term Information

    • 3 year terms, 2 full term limit, 1 year separation required before applying again

Function

The committee function is solely to advise the county council or the executive on the following functions:

1. Review and provide recommendations on proposed changes to ferry operations and fares; and

2. Review at least annually ferry revenue and expenditures, ferry fund balance, and actual versus targeted fare return; and

3. Assist the county in collecting information from ferry riders on actual and desired ferry services, concerns, and ideas for improved service; and

4. Analyze and develop recommendations to continue and improve the cost-effective operation of ferry service to Lummi Island; and

5. Review and make recommendations on proposed changes to

    1. WCC 10.34, Ferry Rates
    2. WCC 10.36, Ferry Multi-Ride Cards and Quarterly Passes
    3. The Lummi Island Ferry Service Action Plan as approved in County Resolution 2018-026 regarding ferry vessel, terminal, and operations. 

Authority