Keller Ferry

The Martha S., also known as the Keller Ferry, is the only Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) owned and operated ferry in Eastern Washington (the rest are on Puget Sound in Western Washington). She crosses the Columbia River (Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake) between Lincoln County and Ferry County at the confluence of the Columbia and the Sanpoil River. This ferry run has been under state control since 1930, and connects the northern and southern segments of State Route 21. This was the first ferry owned and run by the state of Washington; the more familiar state-owned Puget Sound ferries did not commence until 1951.^[1]

Martha S. is powered by two diesel engines making total 470 horsepower. She is 80 feet in length and 30 feet in beam. Maximum capacity is 12 cars. She was launched in 1948 and has been in continuous service since then.^[1] Hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to Midnight 7 days per week. The fare to ride is free.

The WSDOT is in the midst of planning the construction of a replacement ferry. The project was funded by the Washington State Legislature during the 2011 session. The Colville Confederated Tribes are contributing $2 million of the approximately $12 million cost of the new vessel. The WSDOT expects to advertise for construction bids later in 2011 with a new vessel entering service in 2013. Justification for replacing the Martha S. includes replacement parts for it are no longer being commercially manufactured and must be custom-made as needed. In addition she has a limited capacity, especially when large trucks are on board.

The vessel is named in honor of Martha Shain. Martha Shain was the wife of State Highway Director Clarence Shain at the time it was put in service.

See also

• Ferries in Washington State
• Washington State Ferries

References