Cathlamet, Wash. – Fees for the Westport ferry likely will be going up.

The cost of the operation of the ferry from Westport to Puget Island is shared by the state of Washington and Wahkiakum County. The Washington Legislature appropriates funds to pay for up to 80 percent of the operating deficit, but in the last budget biennium the appropriation ran short.

According to Pete Ringen, director/county engineer of Wahkiakum County Public Works, the county had to pick up more than $77,000 in operational costs that would have been the state share under the 80 percent rule.

In response, the Wahkiakum County Commissioners evaluated the rates for the ferry, to help offset costs. The rates have not been raised since 1998, while costs for expenses, such as fuel, have risen. In a meeting on Tuesday, the county commissioners took public testimony on adjustments to the rates. They decided to increase the rates for frequent traveler tickets more modestly than initially planned, with a second increase to be phased in for 2011.

The new rates will take effect Jan. 1, although the state of Washington must approve the increases before they become official.

The proposed new rates are:

Passenger cars, pickups and tractors (under 20 feet): current rate $3; new rate $5. Passengers in motor vehicles are still free.

Foot passengers: current rate $.50; new rate $1. No unattended children younger than 12 are permitted on the ferry.

Bicycles: current rate, $1; new rate, $2.

Motorcycles: current rate, $2; new rate, $3.

Motorcycle with trailer: current rate, $3; new rate, $4.

Trucks, motor homes and specialized equipment less than 25 feet: current rate, $5; new rate, $10. Each additional 5 feet or fraction thereof stays the same at $5.

Trailers less than 20 feet: current rate, $3; new rate, $4. Each additional 5 feet or fraction thereof stays the same at $2.

Buses: current rate, $15; new rate, $20.

Frequent Traveler Ticket (44 trips, no expiration date): current rate, $75; new rate, $100.

Frequent Traveler Ticket (22 trips, no expiration date): current rate, $40; new rate, $50.

Special trips: current rate, $85; new rate, $100.