Olympia, Wash. (Metro) -- Lawmakers are considering a proposal to end a requirement to build state ferries only in Washington.
The measure was drafted in response to a recent state audit that found building ferries only in Washington is more expensive than building them elsewhere.
The audit also found that requiring Washington State Ferries to contract only with shipyards with state-approved apprenticeship programs further drives up the cost because it limits competition.
The bill, sponsored by Yakima Senator Curtis King, would allow out-of-state companies to bid on and build ferries in the future.
