The Department of Transportation has posted the draft schedule for the Alaska Marine Highway System for May 2021 through September 2021 and it is now available for public review. The proposed schedule is based off funding estimates and projections based on the state’s fiscal environment, the governor’s proposed budget, and service demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, I would like to remind you this is a draft schedule, and with your input it could still yet be changed. I am very concerned about the elimination of service to Kake on this initial schedule and low levels of service to other communities. Hopefully with input, and during budget negotiations in the Capitol, we will see a final schedule that provides better service to our coastal communities.
Due to pandemic travel restrictions and negotiations with Canada over ongoing issues, there will be no service to Prince Rupert. This service may be added later pending international pre-clearance requirements. AMHS is also interested in knowing about any need for special events scheduling and requests that organizers or communities give the event name, dates, location, and arrival/departure times needed for each special event.
The draft schedule is available online with accompanying documents at http://alaska.gov/go/Z9GC. Interested people can comment on the proposed schedule through Feb. 7, 2021.
Written comments will be accepted on or before February 7, 2021, via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at (907) 228-6874.
A teleconference to hear comments and consider adjustments is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. for the Southeast schedules, and at 1:30 p.m. for Southwest and Southcentral schedules. The toll-free number to participate in either teleconference is 1-515-604-9000, access code 279613.
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