The climbing cost of operating the aging Buena Vista Ferry northwest of Albany is putting too much of a financial burden on Marion County, so officials are considering the ferry's long-term status.

Most people who ride the ferry are farmers, tourists and bicyclists.

Last December, representatives from the county's public works department held a meeting to lay out the problems associated with running the ferry and then asked for suggestions regarding what additional funding options might be available.

"Those at the meeting were mostly farmers, area residents, business owners, bicyclists and people interested in the ferry," said Alan Haley, the county's administrative division manager.

The people who needed to be there were not, he said. The county wanted to hear from those who represented the tourism industry and were members of historical groups, among others.

"We were surprised that they did not attend," Haley said. "We needed to talk with the people who had the potential for helping us fund the ferry."

County officials are identifying specific people to ask to another meeting to take place in Salem sometime this month. Anyone interested in attending should call Haley at (503) 588-5036.

A looming problem is what to do with the ferry, whose hull is 50 years old.

"A few years ago, we put on a newer engine, generator and improved the gate system," said public works Director Bill Worcester. "Although we've still got this old hull, we have no preconceived ideas about closing."

The ferry can continue to operate at least for another year because the vessel just passed its annual Coast Guard inspection, he said.

Riders generate between $9,000 and $11,000 in tolls annually, but it costs almost $200,000 to operate the ferry, Haley said. Most operating expenses are related to fuel and labor.

"The biggest financial burden will come if we decide to replace the ferry, and those estimates are between $1.2 million and $1.5 million," Haley said. "Ferries cost so much because they must meet Coast Guard regulations."

Currently, the state and the county share equally in the cost of operating the ferry.

Fast Facts

Hours of operation: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays; closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Fees: Pedestrians and bicyclists, free; motorcycles, $1; vehicles with or without trailer less than 28 feet long, $2; vehicles longer than 28 feet, $4; dual-axle trucks, $6; single vehicle using entire ferry or vehicle more than 30,000 pounds, $8.

Directions: Go north on Spring Hill Road, turn right at Buena Vista Road and go to the ferry landing.