The newest and smallest state ferry boat finally has a name

The new Keller Ferry will be called the Sanpoil. That's the name of a river in the region, and was chosen by the state Transportation Commission.

The Keller Ferry crosses the Columbia River north of Wilbur.

The new vessel is under construction at the Foss Maritime shipyard in Rainier, Oregon. Later this fall, the parts will be trucked to the town of Grand Coulee and assembled.

The boat is expected to be launched next July and will replace the current vessel, the 64-year-old Martha S.