The county council has backed the idea of the Obama administration designating parts of the islands for protection. But that's not the end of the story for those worried about more tourism or more regulation.
Such partnerships are all the rage in times of lean budgets, but they can run into roadblocks, as this project illustrates. For one thing, the state is a partner with no money.
Foot-ferries to the Kitsap Peninsula have had a hard time competing with Washington State Ferries' monolithic schedules. With Kingston bowing out, is there still room for passenger-only ferries?
The bus line is losing its home on the north edge of downtown. Is a move to Pioneer Square's King Street Station the best choice, and perhaps the only way to keep the intercity service in Seattle?
The Columbia River Crossing, the $3.1 billion replacement of the bridge between Washington and Oregon, has an entire chorus of detractors. The Coast Guard, with its objections that the bridge is too low to allow certain ships through, might want to get in line.
