PORT TOWNSEND — The talking points emphasized at the inauguration of the third new ferry to service the Port Townsend-Coupeville route were familiar to those who had attended previous celebrations.

Among the points mentioned Friday: The ferries are an important part of the state highway system, they are essential for local commerce, and they were delivered early and under budget.

It took a state representative from Eastern Washington to ratchet up the mood and warm people up.

“Welcome to the new ferry Kennewick. Is this awesome or what?” shouted Rep. Brad Klippert, R-Kenniwick.

More than 100 people attended the speeches, held on the parking deck and out of the sun.

Members of the Jamestown S’Klallam tribe blessed the boat with two traditional Native American songs, one solemn and one upbeat.

The $60 million MV Kennewick is the third state vessel to be inaugurated in little more than a year — the three being the first state ferries built in more than a decade.

All three new 64-car ferries — beginning with the MV Chetzemoka, then the MV Salish — began service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route.

Symbol of connection

The inauguration of the Kennewick differed from that of the Chetzemoka in November 2010 and the Salish in July in that it was a symbol of a connection between the eastern and western parts of the state.

“Naming this boat for a town in Eastern Washington for a route in Western Washington shows how we can work together to connect communities and coordinate the services we need to build the entire state,” said Rep. Steve Tharinger, D-Sequim, who represents the 24th District — which covers Jefferson and ­Clallam counties and part of Grays Harbor County.

Also — unlike ferries celebrated in past ceremonies — the Kennewick will not begin service on the route immediately.

The date of the celebration was chosen in advance, before the date of the vessel’s readiness was known, to allow a delegation from the city of Kennewick time to plan to attend the inauguration of the ferry that is the town’s namesake.

After the ferry crew completes training on the new vessel and some details such as bolting seats to the floor are finished, the Kennewick is expected to debut on the route sometime this month, said George Capacci, state ferries system deputy chief of operations.

Good job on name

“I want to congratulate the Washington State Ferries for choosing this name for this vessel,” Klippert said.

“It was built under budget, on time, built in the United States and, best of all, built in Washington.”

Klippert rapidly thanked the ferry personnel and acknowledged the delegation of Kennewick city employees who made the trip.

“I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m pretty excited,” he said.

“I left the Tri-Cities at 4 this morning in order to make it on time, and I’ve had a little caffeine.”

Rep. Judy Clibborn, D-Camano Island, chairwoman of the House Transportation Committee, delivered greetings from Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, D-Camano Island, a strong ferry advocate who had another commitment Friday.

Not just ferry districts

“Ferries are not about just ferry districts,” Clibborn said. “Ferries are about the whole state.

“That’s why I liked the name of this boat to be from somewhere in Eastern Washington.

“In the Legislature, we are going to be talking about ferry districts, about highways, and the only way it can succeed is if we all work together,” Clibborn continued.

Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, gave special thanks to Assistant Transportation Secretary David Moseley for making sure the three boats were completed.

“We are one Washington, but sometimes it’s difficult,” Bailey said.

“We do have diversity in our state, we have very different needs and wants and priorities.

“But we need for our colleagues in the House and the Senate to all work together in all areas of the state and not lose faith.”

Moseley, the state ferries system’s chief executive officer, served as master of ceremonies.

Plans to visit again

Kennewick Mayor Steve Young said he felt comfortable in Port Townsend.

Like many in his delegation, he said he would visit again.

“I’ve been here for two days, and already it feels like home,” he said.

“Having the Kennewick on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route will continue that legacy by connecting communities, transporting local goods and services, and promoting tourism throughout the state,” he said.

The Kennewick is the third new vessel in the Kwa-di Tabil class of ferries, which were built for the state by Vigor Shipyards — formerly Todd Pacific — for $213.2 million.

Once on the route, the Kennewick will replace the Salish, continuing the present one-boat service while the Salish is used as a backup vessel throughout the state ferries system through the winter and spring.

In May, the Salish will join the Kennewick to provide two-boat service through the summer months.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.