Connecting Communities

Chief Chetzemoka represented a spirit of collaboration when he walked this land more than a century ago. Later this summer a new ferry will be launched, named after him in honor of the contributions he made, especially in forging positive relationships between the local tribes and new settlers to the area.

Port Townsend will host a community celebration on Sunday, August 29 welcoming a reliable, fulltime ferry to the route that connects the Olympic Peninsula to visitors, businesses and its Whidbey Island neighbors.

The Chetzemoka, a new 64-passenger class ferry, will begin sailing between Port Townsend and Keystone the following day. The vessel, named after a ferry that served the community four decades ago, was built specifically to accommodate the unique needs required to navigate Admiralty Inlet.

“The Chetzemoka will introduce a new level of reliability to the important water highway between the Olympic Peninsula, the Whidbey Island communities and the I-5 corridor,” said Michelle Sandoval, mayor of Port Townsend. “Improving this vital connection will make getting to Port Townsend even more fun.”
 
Activities in the city of Port Townsend will be held in conjunction with events planned by Washington State Ferries and Whidbey Island. They will include a blessing delivered by representatives of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, a visit from Gov. Christine Gregoire, a community party and other events.

“From our neighbors on Whidbey Island to our tribal friends to the broader Olympic Peninsula community, everyone pulled together to work with Washington State Ferries and ensure the future of this route and the local economy,” Sandoval said. “We would like to thank the State for the $212 million investment for the two ferries that will serve us and the terminal project when completed. The City of Port Townsend would also like to thank Pierce County for their support with the lease of the Steilacoom II ferry. We are proud to join our partners in celebrating this important milestone and look forward to reconnecting on board the Chetzemoka.”