Neah Bay Rescue Tug Changes From Public To Private Financing
“This is potentially the greatest day of my legislative career,” Rep. Kevin Van De Wege said on the first day of private funding to station a rescue tug in Neah Bay. The 2009 legislation that created this vital change was championed by Rep. Van De Wege and Sen. Kevin Ranker. On July 1, 2010 the funding for the tug shifts from being paid by state taxpayers to one paid for by the industry that relies on it; the cargo and oil industries. This move will save taxpayers of the state $3.6 million every year. It also puts the rescue tug in statute, making it difficult if not impossible to ever change, and secures its year round placement at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
“The State of Washington is in a financial crisis; a crisis that has prompted creative problem solving. This solution addresses the need to save the state 3.6 million dollars,” Rep. Van De Wege said, “at the same time the financial burden is being placed where it belongs; the industry that the requires the protections to be put in place. By addressing this issue last year, we have proactively avoided an oil catastrophe similar to what is happening in the Gulf.” Rep. Van De Wege and Sen. Ranker toured the rescue tug in the fall of 2009.
“We have been in the midst of a huge financial crisis and need to continue to find ways to get us out of it. Implementing this legislation has certainly been one of those ways. I have been very proud to have been involved in this process and I believe that saving taxpayers’ money is more than campaign rhetoric. In negotiating this agreement, I have proven my commitment to fiscal responsibility while at the same time protecting our water and environment,” Van De Wege said.