The State Department of Transportation Ferry Division announced Jan. 22 it will extend public comment on its draft lon-range plan through Monday, Jan. 26.

The plan drew more than 100 Fauntleroy and West Seattle residents to a public hearing Wednesday. Most said they would not approve of a plan that would increase capacity to the Fauntleroy/Vashon route because the ferry was located in a residential neighborhood.

The public comment period first opened on Dec. 19, 2008. Since then, Washington State Ferries has received hundreds of comments and held 10 public hearings in ferry served communities.

"Due to the overwhelming response, I decided to extend the comment period five days," said David Moseley, Ferries Division Assistant Secretary. "I appreciate the time everyone took to share their perspective on the two options in the draft plan."

A revised draft plan, along with all of the public comments received, will be provided to the State Legislature on Saturday, Jan. 31.

The plan is intended to provide options for consideration during this Legislative session and will not be finalized until after it is reviewed and decisions are made by lawmakers.

The public may continue to provide comments in the following ways:

E-mail: wsfplanning@wsdot.wa.gov

Write: WSF, Attn. Joy Goldenberg, 2901 3rd Avenue, Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98121

For more information visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/planning/ESHB2358.htm.