Foot-ferry demonstration projects that were being explored for Kirkland and other areas will be postponed, after the King County Ferry District Board of Supervisors recently voted unanimously to reduce the Ferry District levy for 2010. The action will limit King County Water Taxi service to fund the existing passenger-only ferry routes that serve West Seattle and Vashon Island from downtown Seattle. The county originally planned to operate five demonstration routes in Kirkland, Kenmore, South Puget Sound, Renton and Shilshole.

The adopted levy lowers the property tax rate for the Ferry District to $1.18 million, translating to approximately one-third of one cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation to be collected in 2010. This new rate amounts to approximately $1.20 per year for a $400,000 home. With King County Metro facing a budget shortfall, this move will allow for more bus service hours.