Let's Play Name That Ferry

As the State Transportation Commission continues construction on its second new ferry, they're asking the public to help name it. Most ferries in Puget Sound have names relating to our tribal heritage. The remainder have botanical names (Rhododendron and Evergreen State). It's time to branch out:

If you want to submit a name, these guidelines apply:

• Names for ferries 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, etc.
• Consideration will be given to the consistency with existing WSF fleet names.
• Names should have broad familiarity, be easy to pronounce, 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 very careful review. In these cases, the following guidelines will apply:
• The individual must be deceased for at least 20 years.
• They must have enduring fame and have played a significant historical role in the region and/or state.

Entries so far include “Squi Qui,” entered by the Town of Coupeville and the Swinomish Tribe (Squi Qui was a Lower Skagit tribal leader and a signer of the Point Elliot Treaty), and “Salish,” entered by the San Juan County Council.

The request for names is open until April 30. The Transportation Commission will then work with WSF and the public to select the new name.