WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Estimated costs to replace the aging Whatcom Chief ferry have ballooned beyond their original amount.

Whatcom County Public Works Director Elizabeth Kosa presented the financial findings during a council meeting on Tuesday, July 23.

Kosa said that compared to 2021 estimates, the cost of the current project is up by 90% to replace the ferry and upgrade related infrastructure. The cost of building supplies, inflation and the decision to make the new 34-car vessel electric all added to the increase. If the project continues as planned, it’ll cost just over $85 million.

Another proposal would call for a hybrid diesel ferry with the option to electrify it in the future, but it would come at a steeper price of $92 million.

A third option considers a smaller vessel, which would be diesel-powered and can only hold 15 cars.

That project would be the most cost-efficient at just over $27 million, but it would become ineligible for certain grants that would cover the other two options.

The presentation was meant for council discussion only and no votes were held to decide on an option.