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PORT ANGELES – A new legislative effort may help the MV Coho, which has been shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Because the border with Canada remains closed, the Black Ball Ferries’ vessel that operates between Port Angeles and Victoria, BC remains docked. Officials warn it could be months longer, putting the long-term survival of the ferry in jeopardy.

During a discussion with local economic development leaders, Black Ball company officials outlined the company’s challenges during the shutdown.

A company consultant says a federal effort may help.

Tim Thompson told the group the U.S. House has passed legislation that might provide some relief.

“The National Defense Authorization Act is moving its way through the negotiation process between the House and the Senate. What is significant about that, is the Maritime Relief Act in the House was adopted in this and we are being urged to mobilize contacts that would go to our two Senators to urge that they adopt the House version of this. What’s significant about that is it’s the first time that a piece of legislation actually fits the Black Ball story,” said Thompson

Thompson said the state’s Congressional delegation is also sending a letter to the Treasury Department. It asks Treasury to establish a lending option for private companies that meet the public-need threshold. That could include the Black Ball Ferries.

They are also sending letters to the US Transportation Department urging it develop a grant program for infusing operating money into deemed essential for transportation.

The idled ferry is having an economic impact on the local community. A survey released last year showed the MV Coho injects about $443 million dollars a year into the local economy with multiplying factors.