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WETA System Integration <br />New projects will enhance the WETA ferry system by adding terminals <br />and vessels while attracting new riders to ferry service. Required <br />system elements such as capacity at maintenance facilities and <br />destination terminals or spare vessels will be estimated and <br />incorporated into a project's capital cost. <br />Emergency Response <br />New projects will enhance WETA's emergency response capabilities by <br />providing terminals and vessels for use in the response and recovery <br />phases aftera natural event. The benefits of interoperable ferry assets <br />such as vessels, floats and terminals mean that new projects must be <br />compatible with WETA facilities. The deployment of WETA vessels and <br />use of ferry terminals will be a decision of state and regional <br />authorities and not necessarily WETA or its local partner. <br />Vessels, Infrastructure <br />WETA owns and operates a network of ferry vessels along with <br />landside and waterside facilities that are economically and <br />operationally efficient because they are interchangeable. Therefore, <br />candidate WETA projects must be consistent with this established <br />infrastructure. New projects will utilize WETA catamaran -style vessels <br />powered by marine diesel engines and ranging in capacity from 149 <br />to over 500 passengers. <br />Infrastructure such as maintenance facilities and terminals will be <br />consistent with existing WETA facilities. Alternative vessel <br />technologies or non-compliant terminals will not be considered as <br />Public-private partnership <br />Ferry terminals and vessels are complex and expensive investments <br />opportunities <br />that require a variety of funding sources. Operational expenses can <br />also be significant and require long-term dedicated funding streams. <br />WETA encourages partnerships with public or private entities <br />interested in ferry service as a means of financing both capital and <br />operational needs. <br />Capital Funding <br />Ferry project capital funding can come through a variety of local, <br />regional, state and federal sources and even private contributions. <br />Candidate expansion projects must demonstrate that there is full <br />capital funding prior to entering the Final Design phase of a project. <br />Operating Subsidy <br />The operating subsidy is defined as the portion of the operating <br />expense not covered by fare revenue. New ferry projects must <br />demonstrate that there is a stable, dedicated source for an operating <br />subsidy for a minimum period of ten years. <br />Terminal Access <br />WETA supports the use of alternative modes such as walking, biking <br />and transit as a means of accessing origin ferry terminals. At the same <br />time, minimum parking levels are required to ensure a service will be <br />well utilized and accessible to all users. The ideal access environment <br />provides customers with a choice of safe, convenient and attractive <br />access options. <br />Page 2 of 4 <br />