# Whatcom County Advances Lummi Island Ferry Replacement

Whatcom County, Washington, has secured a **$25 million federal grant** from the U.S. Maritime Administration to replace the aging Whatcom Chief ferry with a modern diesel-electric battery hybrid vessel and to upgrade ferry terminals serving Lummi Island. The county plans to issue bids for terminal construction in November 2026 and for the new ferry vessel in January 2027, targeting service commencement by March 2029. This project follows prior approvals including a project revision in August 2025 and establishment of a Ferry District in July 2026, with an estimated total project cost of $50 million.

- **Why this matters:** This federally funded initiative represents a significant investment in sustainable maritime transportation infrastructure, creating opportunities for contractors specializing in hybrid ferry construction and terminal modernization.
- Procurement professionals should prepare for upcoming solicitations in late 2026 and early 2027, focusing on marine vessel manufacturing and terminal construction capabilities.
- The project timeline and phased bidding process indicate a multi-year engagement, allowing vendors to align resources and partnerships accordingly.
- Organizations involved in green maritime technologies and infrastructure upgrades may find strategic opportunities in this federally supported regional transportation modernization effort.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation, Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 22, 2026

### Government Entities
- Whatcom County
- U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD)
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Washington State Government
- Whatcom County Council

### Key Quotes
> With the federal funding obligated, we can move into the next phase of work and toward rebuilding ageing terminals and construction of a replacement vessel for Whatcom Chief
> — Elizabeth Kosa, Public Works Director, Whatcom County

### Sources
- [Lummi Island Ferry Replacement Gets $25M Grant](https://www.bairdmaritime.com/amp/story/passenger/ro-pax/whatcom-county-finalizes-lummi-ferry-grant) - Baird Maritime