CATHLAMET — Travelers and commuters likely will start paying more to ride the Puget Island ferry starting in January.

Wahkiakum County Commissioners Tuesday proposed raising passenger vehicle rates from $3 to $5 for a one-way trip. Foot passenger rates would increase from 50 cents to $1 and the cost for RVs would rise from $5 to $10.

The county last raised ferry rates in 1998.

Commissioners also are considering eliminating the final two trips the ferry makes each day — the round trips starting at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. from Puget Island. Eliminating the trips would save about $7,000 a month, mostly in overtime and fuel, according to Public Works Director Pete Ringen.

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Wahkiakum County commissioners reject temporary closure of Puget Island ferry