WWU’s new research vessel will be built from scratch to meet school’s needs

Western Washington University will soon be in possession of a new, custom-built research vessel, thanks to $1.03 million in federal funding that was approved Sept. 4. The vessel will be built and designed from scratch because there are a lot of specific tasks the university needs it to complete, according to Brian Bingham, director of marine and coastal science at WWU. Bingham said the vessel’s acquisition was only possible thanks to the help from Rep. Rick Larsen and Sen. Maria Cantwell.