By David Klepper
NEAH BAY — The state has extended the contract with the Barbara Foss tugboat for one year, ensuring its return to Neah Bay this fall to assist vessels.
The renewal comes as a relief to environmental groups which have urged the state to fund a rescue tugboat at the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
During the past two winters the Barbara Foss has responded to 10 calls from troubled vessels near Neah Bay. Assistance was offered in six of those cases.
The Barbara Foss could be back at Neah Bay as soon as Sept. 15, said Sheryl Hutchison, spokeswoman for the state Department of Ecology.
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