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City pauses its Department of Commerce ferry grant after King County signals interest in conducting its own study

5375846 · July 11, 2025
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Summary

City staff withdrew a proposed Department of Commerce grant contract after King County council members and Metro Marine signaled they may pursue their own demand and feasibility work for a Des Moines ferry route; city manager will talk with Commerce about possible transfer or reapplication.

The city withdrew a planned Department of Commerce grant item from the July 10 agenda after recent talks with King County elected officials and King County Metro indicated the county intends to explore its own demand and feasibility studies for a Des Moines ferry route.

Why it matters: The original Commerce grant (accepted by council in October) would have funded economic analysis tied to the pilot ferry route. City Manager Catherine Caffrey said King County—s interest could make a separate city study duplicative; she has scheduled a call with Commerce to explore whether the existing grant can be used by King County or whether a new application will be required. Caffrey noted the grant carried no local match and expires at the end of the year.

Mayor Buxton and staff said King County officials expressed appetite to lead a route analysis and that county budget timing and formal partnership or interlocal agreements would determine whether the county could use the Commerce funds or must apply separately. Caffrey added that Peter Phillips— contract has expired (June 30) and there is no active city contract for ferry operation studies at present.

Ending: Staff will discuss options with the Department of Commerce next week and report back to the council; no city money was committed at the July 10 meeting and no final decision was made.