Life Cycle-Based Programming of Ferry Terminal Preservation

Washington State Ferries, one of the largest passenger and vehicle ferry systems in North America, is implementing life cycle-based analysis to identify and prioritize capital funding needs for vessels and terminals. Aging terminal structures represent a significant underfunded liability for the Ferry System. Life cycle analysis of these structures will help prioritize funding requirements and focus limited resources to most effectively reduce this liability. This paper addresses the application of life cycle analysis to preservation of existing ferry terminals. It describes the reasons for implementation and an overview of the method of analysis. The following is presented: 1 A brief history of Washington State Ferries, including a discussion of modernization efforts and the current condition status of terminal structures; 2 Reasons for implementation of life cycle analysis; 3 The life cycle methodology—age and condition of structures; 4 The role of life cycle analysis in the capital planning process; 5 Performance measures for predicting the effectiveness of funding proposals and reporting the results of completed programs.