Alaska Class Ferry

Senator Bert Stedman, left, and Capt. Mike Neussl, center, present Fairweather Capt. Leif Short-Forrer with a legislative citation commending rescue efforts. Courtesy AMHS.

Last month, Governor Parnell announced his intention to abandon the Alaska Class Ferry project in favor of constructing two, smaller shuttle ferries to service the upper Lynn Canal. Many Southeast residents are understandably concerned about this new proposal and there are legitimate questions that need to be answered by the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.  Last week, the Senate and House Transportation Committees held a joint hearing to begin asking questions of the Department about this proposed change in direction.  Another hearing will be held on January 24th at 1:00 pm to give the public an opportunity to testify on this important issue. In the meantime, I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature and the Department to make sure that whatever ferry design concept ultimately moves forward, it is in the best interest of our communities.  I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Pat Kemp on his recent appointment as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. He has a difficult job ahead of him but I’m sure he’s up to the task and I look forward to working with him this session.  I also want to thank Captain Mike Neussl for his distinguished leadership of the Alaska Marine Highway System during his tenure as Deputy Commissioner of marine operations. Capt. Neussl retired earlier this month.  I enjoyed working with Capt. Neussl and I wish him all the best in his retirement.