David Moseley selected as new ferries director

OLYMPIA — Washington State Ferries has a new director: David Moseley, a former head of community development in Seattle, and a former city manager in Federal Way, Steilacoom and Ellensburg, among several other civic positions.

He most recently worked as vice president for the Institute for Community Change in Seattle, a nonprofit organization that helps foundations, nonprofits and governments manage initiatives.

"People are hungry for someone to come in and take charge," said Moseley, 60, who was selected from 64 applicants.

The announcement came this morning from Gov. Christine Gregoire and Department of Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond.

"This is going to be a new direction for the ferry system, an icon of our state and worldwide symbol of Washington state," said Gregoire.

Both Gregoire and Hammond said Moseley's first priority will be meeting with ferry workers and ferry riders.

"I am going to be riding a lot of boats and listening to a lot of people," said Moseley.

"This is a career challenging position," said Moseley, who acknowledged he has no experience in ferries and transportation. "I applied for the job because of the challenges."

As ferries chief, Moseley faces a multitude of problems, which began in 2000 after voters passed Initiative 695 to repeal the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax, which provided 22 percent of the ferry system's revenue. Fares increased and fuel prices soared — from $20 million to $80 million per biennium over the past eight years.

Aging vessels, unpredictable operating costs and competition for funds with road and bridge projects across the state have made for a precarious financial future for the ferry system.

The system is trying to figure out how to replace the 80-year-old Steel Electric ferries that ran between Keystone and Port Townsend. Hammond pulled them out of service in late November because of hull damage.

The state plans to put bids out for new replacement boats later this month and hopes to have the first ferry completed in spring 2009. The state has borrowed a ferry from Pierce County in the meantime.

Hammond said the state is planning on building six new ferries — three 144-car ferries and three smaller boats that will serve the Port Townsend-Keystone run. Construction is expected to start this year on the smaller boats and in 2010 for the larger ones.

While the Legislature approved money for the boats, it's been tied up in lawsuits. Gregoire wants to redirect some of the money into new Steel Electric replacement vessels.

Other issues involve ferry fare disputes and an active ferry community filled with some angry riders who complain about everything from fares to the cleanliness of the boats.

Another issue certain to raise hackles is a proposal being floated that would charge more during rush hour.

Moseley replaces Mike Anderson, who resigned in December after three years as head of the troubled agency. He said he decided to retire so a replacement could be appointed for the new legislative session.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com