In our continuing series of stories, the KING 5 Investigators have uncovered serious problems within the country's largest ferry system - the Washington State Ferries.
By requesting public records, developing sources, and digging through documents they have exposed "Waste on the Water".
Warnings by state employees ignored millions of taxpayer dollars in questionable spending and virtually no internal review or accountability.
So far, the stories have been the catalyst for some change. Just ten days after the story involving special projects aired, the expensive perk for some ferry workers was halted.
The head of the state ferry system has vowed to make changes and address the deep-rooted practices that have been commonly accepted throughout the fleet for years. And Governor Christine Gregoire has called for an audit of the ferries including an expert panel to conduct a management review of the entire system.
June 7, 2011 Governor signs bill to reform Washington ferry system
March 16, 2011 Ferry system saves millions in labor costs
March 4, 2011 Governor says ferry workers to give up $10 million in perks a year
February 9, 2011 Another perk for ferry engineers cost taxpayer millions
January 6, 2011 Ferry communities balking at Gregoire's new proposal
December 22, 2010 KING 5 Investigators win Pulitzer Prize equivalent
November 15, 2010: State's new ferry small, but most expensive ever
November 15, 2010: Commissioner: KING 5 investigation factored into ferry fare hike
November 16, 2010: Ferry system unveils action plan
September 9, 2010: Panel suggests 36 ways to improve Wash. ferries
August 5, 2010: Investigators: Millions spent on ferry generators that can’t be used
July 16, 2010: Investigators: Ferry employee forced to retire
June 29, 2010:Investigators: Governor's office accuses KING of distorting interview
June 24, 2010: Investigators: $10 million spent on extras for group of state employees
June 22, 2010: Investigators: Governor backs state ferry system leadership
June 17, 2010: Investigators: Back room deal puts true ferry reform in question
June 8, 2010: Investigators: Sweet deal in the San Juans for some ferry workers
June 1, 2010: Investigators: KING 5 Investigation leads to freeze on ferry fare increases
May 24, 2010: Investigators: Ferry system fails to hold cheating employee accountable
May 12, 2010: Investigators: Governor and DOT Chief call for reform of ferry system
May 11, 2010: Investigators: Captains' union votes 'no confidence' in ferry management
May 10, 2010: Investigators: Warnings of paycheck padding ignored by state ferries
May 05, 2010: Investigators: Broke ferry system paying huge salaries to fortunate few
April 13, 2010: Investigators: State missed opportunity to save thousands on perks for ferry workers
April 10, 2010: KING 5 investigation prompts end to multi-million dollar state expense
Mar. 30, 2010: Investigators: 'Special projects' bring lucrative perks for ferry workers
Mar. 08, 2010: Investigators: Ferry workers boost pay by driving to work
Real investigations. Real results.
