EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — Washington transportation officials are making adjustments to three ferries to stop them from tilting to one side when the boats are empty.

Assistant Transportation Secretary David Moseley says the listing doesn't create a long-term problem for the vessels but the agency is making the simple fix to respond to concerns brought by customers, crew members and lawmakers.

The Daily Herald reports (http://is.gd/qQ6Gqi ) that the work involves adding tons of ballast on each vessel. Moseley says it will cost $300,000 and be completed by the end of June. The adjustments will be made the Chetzemoka, Salish and Kennewick ferries.

The boats are designed to lean when there are no vehicles because not all the weight is evenly distributed. But citizens and others worried it could cause future maintenance problems.