Sammamish seeking state’s new ferry named after city

Published 7:10 pm Monday, September 1, 2014

The city of Sammamish is asking residents to support an effort to name the state’s new ferry after the city.

Construction of the new 144-car ferry is underway and it needs a name. Responding to an invitation from the Washington State Transportation Commission, the city will ask that “Sammamish” be considered.

According to the commission, tribal names, bodies of water and geographical locations are good candidates. Ideally, the names should also represent the state’s image and culture, and have broad familiarity.

“We were finalists the last time they did this,” City Manager Ben Yazici said. “We certainly hope they’ll give us strong consideration once again and put our city’s name across the bridge of a brand-new ferry.”

The deadline for name submissions is Sept. 12. Among other things, the submission should include background information on the name, evidence of public enthusiasm, and letters of support from local organizations.

“It would be great if residents sent us letters of support to include in the submission,” Yazici said. “We could make this a real group effort.”

Those letters should be sent right away to: Allison Gubata, Sammamish City Hall, 801 228th Ave. S.E., Sammamish, WA 98075

After the submission deadline, the commission will begin a review and public comment process. The final selection of names for the two ferries will occur at the commission’s Nov. 19, meeting in Lakewood.