Pierce County’s backup ferry Steilacoom has been sold and will be towed to Lake Union in Seattle next month for refurbishing for its next role.

The 71-year-old former Navy vessel, which has a colorful history, was sold for $49,500 on eBay, the online auction site.

R. T. Wallace of Hado Inc., Las Vegas, was the lone bidder. The buyer indicated the ferry will be reconstructed and probably remain in the Puget Sound area.

Built in Bath, Maine, and named the Aquidneck, it ferried vehicles to and from Ford Island at Pearl Harbor. Its capacity was 30 vehicles and 150 passengers when acquired by Pierce County in 1976.

Posted: 02|28|07 at 8:52 am. Filed under: US News.