The state’s ferry system is that it is a sort of aging money pit that will require millions of dollars to remain viable, according to multiple people from the Washington State Ferries (WSF), the legislature and islanders. So the question is, is the system worth it?

Nine of the fleet’s 24 boats are between 40 and 60 years old and reaching the end of their lifespan. The fleet’s oldest boat, the Evergreen State, is 61 years old and has come in and out of retirement multiple times. The boat was set to be retired this year, but was kept operational to help with shortages such as the one that occurred here last week. Without the Evergreen State, Vashon would not have been able to keep the threeboat schedule at all last Monday or Tuesday when the Issaquah unexpectedly suffered electrical and engine issues while the Cathlamet was stuck in maintenance.

When asked about the future of the state’s iconic ferries, which served more than 23 million people last year, and the finances necessary to keep them operational, WSF director Lynne Griffith and Sen. Sharon Nelson both whole-heartedly admitted that the boats are old and need to be replaced. But, when it comes down to how to secure the money to do so, the answer is unclear.

The state legislature earlier this year passed a 16-year transportation plan that will provide WSF with more than $600 million. Two new Olympic-class boats have been built, and two more are coming. The boats are bound to help ease older boats out of the system, but the process will need to be repeated more often than every 40 to 60 years. With each boat costing more than $100 million just to build, is it feasible to think that the state has enough money to keep the fleet maintained and replaced at regular intervals? Locally, the Fauntleroy dock cannot handle Olympic-class boats, so the triangle route is untouched by the upgrades.

Many believe that a bridge to the island would cause Vashon to lose its rural nature: a valid worry. But, others feel that the bridge would simplify life for the island’s many commuters and those who have to go to doctor’s appointments every day.

The ferries have become a huge part of Washington culture, and not only drive commerce and connect places that cannot be connected otherwise, but they make Washington unique and are a huge contributor to the area’s tourism.

A long-term plan to finance the building of new ferries and retirement of old ones needs to be drawn up. Lawmakers need to continue looking at the system and focus on the WSF financial picture.