Did You Know Skagit County is planning a shiny new battery storage facility at the Anacortes Ferry Terminal to power an all-electric ferry for the Guemes Island route. Yep, we’re talking about swapping out the diesel-chugging M/V Guemes for a greener, quieter ride across the Guemes Channel. But what does this mean for our environment and safety? Let’s dive into the details and see what’s at stake for our coastal community.

Going Green: A Win for Our Island Ecosystem?

Picture this: a ferry that glides silently across the water, leaving no smoky trail behind. That’s the promise of the new electric ferry, set to replace the 46-year-old M/V Guemes, which hauls 200,000 vehicles and 400,000 passengers yearly. The folks at Glosten, the brains behind the ferry’s design, say this electric switch could slash emissions to near zero and cut fuel costs by half. In a town like Anacortes, where we’re spoiled by Puget Sound’s beauty and powered by 100% renewable energy at the terminal’s EV chargers, that’s something to cheer about.

Less noise from the ferry means happier whales, seals, and other critters in the Guemes Channel, a place the Samish Indian Nation has called home for centuries. Plus, ditching diesel fumes keeps our air cleaner for beach walks and sunset strolls. But here’s the catch: the battery storage system, likely running on lithium-ion tech, comes with an environmental cost. Mining those battery materials can harm ecosystems far from our shores, and we don’t yet know how Skagit County plans to recycle or dispose of them. Want to keep this project as green as our forests? Let’s hope the county shares a solid plan to make sure the batteries’ lifecycle doesn’t undo our eco-wins.

Safety First: Powering Up Without Risks?

For Guemes Islanders, the ferry isn’t just a ride—it’s a lifeline. Whether it’s getting to work, rushing an ambulance across, or hauling groceries, the M/V Guemes runs 24/7. The new electric ferry, with its modern electrical systems, is said to be more reliable than the current boat, which had a 10-hour outage on June 16, 2025, thanks to some pesky wiring issues. A battery storage setup at the terminal will keep the ferry charged for those quick 5/8-mile trips, ensuring our neighbors aren’t left stranded.

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: battery safety. Big lithium-ion systems can be risky—think fire hazards or, in rare cases, chemical leaks. With the battery facility planned right at our busy ferry terminal, we need to know it’s safe. Fire suppression systems, regular checkups, and a solid emergency plan are must-haves, but the county hasn’t spilled the beans on those details yet. After all, Anacortes folks deserve peace of mind, especially after past ferry headaches like fare hikes and service hiccups. The good news? Skagit County’s been good about listening, with public meetings like the one on June 13 and another planned for July 17, 2025, at the Guemes Island Community Center. Got questions about safety? Show up and make your voice heard!

What’s Next for Anacortes?

This electric ferry project could put Anacortes on the map as a green trailblazer, showing other coastal towns how it’s done. But it’s not all smooth sailing—there’s an $11 million funding gap, and the county’s rethinking the design to save cash after pausing the project in February 2025. Will they keep the safety and eco-friendly features we need? That’s where we come in, Anacortes. Stay in the loop by checking www.skagitcounty.net for project updates, or swing by did-you-know-anacortes.com to learn how big projects like this tie into our property taxes (yep, they’re connected!).

So, what do you think? Is a battery-powered ferry the future we want for our island paradise? Drop by the next City Council meeting, share your thoughts. Send your written comments with your name and address by 5PM July 2025. The City Council’s email is citycouncil@anacorteswa.gov Let’s keep Anacortes awesome—safely and sustainably.