| Fuel Surcharge Considered |
The rise in fuel prices has been in the news, and Washington Island Ferry Line diesel fuel costs have increased steadily, with occasional drop-backs. We instituted a rate increase at the beginning of April, but this did not keep pace with the rapid rise in diesel fuel cost, one of our main operating expenses.
With that in mind, we may implement a fuel surcharge to offset increased fuel costs, if our costs reach and exceed certain levels. (So far, that has not happened except for isolated purchases.) The basic increase would be 25 cents for each passenger and 50 cents on each automobile per one-way travel. Trucks, trailers and bulk hazardous materials would be charged extra.
A Fuel Surcharge Addendum is available at the Ferry Dock Customer Counter and at each ticket booth for review.
When would these charges go into effect? We've proposed the first tier of surcharges to be effective when our cost per gallon exceeds $4.25, and a second tier of surcharges if and when cost of diesel per gallon exceeds $4.75. These additional charges would be shown at the very bottom of your printed ticket to indicate separate charges per each transaction.
You may direct your questions or comments to Ferry Line management, Dick or Hoyt, at 847-2546, or by email. |
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| Low water past eight months prompted dredging and consturction of a new ramp with 40-ft. incline. Recent rains have helped lake levels and improved ferry maneumerability, too. |
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| Lake Michigan Levels |
The lake has risen over two feet, most dramatically after the series of heavy rains and storms that battered the Midwest during the second week of June. An unofficial gauge, the rock pile across from the Ferry Dock has been completely submerged some mornings, an usual occurrence. The official measurements as taken from Army Corps of Engineer statistics indicated May had slightly below average precipitation, but despite that, lake levels had edged upward to last year's levels. June's figures, when compiled, should indicate a much greater potential for lake level rise.
Just last week the Army Corps of Engineers sent a survey crew to Detroit Harbor to obtain new bottom sounding data. We were furnished a copy. As expected, the harbor is fairly close to the dredged specifications of 1939. However, there are a few high spots and several problematic areas alongside the channel and at the channel entrance that we believe need to be addressed for the long haul. As of this date the Army Corps has stated it will dredge harbors with significant bulk cargo shipments.
Our Ferry Line position is that Detroit Harbor is critical to the needs of the island and its businesses and visitors, and the diminishing dimensions of a channel dug in 1939 need improvement. We ought not wait until the next round of low water...which could come at any time...to do something about it. |
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Internet Island Blog
Ferry Cabin News Blog
News and editiorial containing local information
may be accessed by going to
http://www.ferrycabinnews.blog.com
Your comments regarding blog content and quality will be welcomed.
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Coast Guard Industry Training
Washington Island Ferry Line, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment in Sturgeon Bay, will begin an Industry Training Program this summer. Candidates will be assigned temporary duty from various Marine Safety units around the Great Lakes or nation. The program goal will be to provide a hands-on opportunity to view ferry operations from an industry perspective, and to provide information and experience that will broaden the background of individuals serving in the Marine Safety program.
The Coast Guard has been charged with an extremely broad role today ranging from ship safety to the environment, from drug intervention to security, and from aids to navigation and passenger vessel safety. Safety of passengers through vessel inspections and operational requirements still ranks among their most important priorities, with recently restated objectives of the Commandant.
The Ferry Line is pleased to be given this partnership opportunity with the Coast Guard. We anticipate learning from this experience too as this program evolves. |
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Second Birding Festival
The second annual Washington Island Birding Festival was held May 31 and June 1, and while bird counts outnumbered birders, there was much to be learned and enjoyed by those who participated. Birders met early in the morning and divided into several guided groups, visited sites on both Washington and Rock Islands, and gathered in the evening for dinner and an informative slide presentation. In all, the species count totaled 119 for the two-day event. We know of several birders who increased their Lifetime Bird Count, a goal of many serious birders, by several dozen birds.
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Free MP3 Ferry Crossing Narration Download!
Many of us have been only recently familiar with the electronic gadgets available, such as an iPod. But this technology, and the ability to download an audio file merges on our website, as we recently designed a narrated tour crossing for any visitor with a computer. Simply download the narration to your personal listening device, or transfer it to a CD for your automobile or CD headset, and you're in business!
Now any island visitor can either listen to a free, narrated crossing as they ride the ferry, or preview it before they come to the island. The narration is approximately 16 minutes in length and contains basic information of historical and geographic content.
Once again, your comments on this feature are welcomed and you may email them to: info@wisferry.com. |
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Short Reminders
Fuel Containers – Ferry patrons are reminded to use caution when transporting flammables in containers aboard the ferry. We reserve the right to limit carriage of flammables to a maximum of two (2) sturdy, approved containers of no more than six gallons each. Gasoline must be in a red container. Containers must be secured to avoid movement. And, of course, containers must be in good condition. As an added safety measure, NO SMOKING ON BOARD is a standing policy.
Pets – We kindly request persons bring pets aboard in their vehicle. When a pet is not in a vehicle, it must be on a leash and on the Main Vehicle Deck. We would ask the owner to accompany the pet. This is a courtesy to other passengers, and also helps greatly when there might be more than one pet on board at one time.
To view April 08 Newsletter Click Here |
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