BLAINE, Wash. – The City of Blaine will be soliciting bids to repair the historic Plover ferry.

The Northern Light reports the city council requested the move after voting to reimburse Drayton Harbor Maritime $16,800 the non-profit spent over the intitial repair budget.

The U.S. Coast Guard determined repairs were needed after their regular inspection of the ferry last year, and the city budgeted $30,000 to fix the nearly 80 year-old vessel.

As repair work started it became clear more money would be needed and now the estimated budget sits at $130,000.

Councilmembers acknowledged the importance of the ferry to Blaine residents, but hinted a price increase for passengers may be required to make it’s services sustainable.