Tag: ferry service

Wrangell, once a town full of Dunleavy supporters, has many questions for the governor about ferry cut

The governor was planning a trip to Southeast town of Wrangell this week, but canceled because of weather. The town overwhelmingly voted the Republican official into office, but as the community readied for a visit, many wanted to make clear to Mike Dunleavy that they believe in ferries.

Dunleavy administration seeks $12.5 million for struggling ferries

The governor’s chief of staff Ben Stevens says the executive is asking the Legislature for extra money to continue work on Alaska Marine Highway System ferries currently out of service for upgrades and repairs.
A ferry at a dock with a mountain in the background at twilight

State eyes private ferries for Angoon, Hoonah and Kake

The state is seeking to fill gaps in Southeast Alaska ferry service using a private charter company. It’s given potential operators less than 24 hours to answer its Monday call for interest.

Camped in staterooms, stranded ferry passengers are prisoners of the state’s hospitality

When the last of the Alaska Marine Highway System mainliners broke down in Juneau last weekend, the state chartered a pair of private catamarans to get most of the Matanuska’s passengers to their destinations. But more than two dozen people with cars and trucks remain stranded.

Pelican, Tenakee mayors ‘stunned and outraged’ at prospect of summer without ferries

Pelican and Tenakee Springs residents saw their fears come true last week in the form of the state’s proposed summer ferry schedule — a schedule that calls for zero summer sailings to the two remote island communities in Southeast Alaska.
A ferry at a dock with a mountain in the background at twilight

Privatize Alaska ferries? ‘Not feasible,’ Dunleavy administration consultants say

Gov. Dunleavy has floated the idea of privatizing the system, but a report that's been under wraps for months concludes it doesn't make sense.
A ferry at dock

For Southeast Alaska school basketball teams, ferry cuts are “a significant blow”

Some teams are spending more money to fly to their away games. The higher price tag means fewer students can go.

M/V Tustumena makes its last run before winter ferry service gap

The ferry won't return to Kodiak until April.

Fewer ferry sailings means less work for many AMHS employees

Only four of the 11 state-owned ferries are currently in service, and the limited sailing schedule not only affects passengers but ferry employees as well.

Meals for Angoon school children hinge on regular ferry service

In many Alaska coastal communities, ferry service is more than just a transportation link. It can also be a form of survival.
A ferry approaches a town next to spruce covered mountains

Alaska DOT: LeConte ferry repairs to take six months; fate of sister ship Aurora unclear

The Alaska Marine Highway System says the LeConte won’t return to service until May 15, which means some Southeast Alaska communities will go around seven months without a ferry connection.

Angoon explores transportation options as AMHS works to fix its ferry dock

The City of Angoon is looking into hiring private marine transportation to shuttle residents to and from Juneau.

Future of Alaska ferry Malaspina in question as state consigns ship to ‘long-term layup’

The Malaspina was built in 1963 and is part of the original fleet of mainline ferries. Its final voyage is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Tazlina brought back into service to provide more Southeast Alaska ferry sailings

The Alaska Marine Highway System restored ferry service Friday to some of the communities that had service slashed earlier this month. The ferry Tazlina will be brought back online to make up for previously canceled sailings.

Southeast Alaska supply chains breaking down as ferry service gap enters second week

As the partial ferry shutdown enters its second week in Southeast Alaska, small communities are trying to find alternative means of bringing groceries and other essentials to their residents.

Elected officials, economic groups push to deploy Tazlina amid ferry service reductions

Several communities in Southeast Alaska lost ferry service this winter when the Alaska Marine Highway System docked the M/V Leconte for expensive repairs. Now some in the region are pushing the state to deploy the M/V Tazlina to make up for the reduced sailings.
A ferry parked at a dock, a mountain in the background.

Study examines possibilities for locally controlled Northern Lynn Canal ferry service

While the study focuses on governance and management of a local ferry authority, there are numerous other questions about how to create a ferry service. For example, where would they get the ships?

Abrupt Alaska ferry cancellations strand hundreds of people, vehicles

Some 999 passengers with 526 vehicles were affected by the Alaska Marine Highway System’s recent abrupt cancellation of ferry service across much of Southeast.
A ferry at a dock with a mountain in the background at twilight

Alaska ferry LeConte repairs delayed; long gaps in winter service possible for rural Southeast Alaska

Critics said the state should’ve planned ahead and applied for more federal funds for ferry overhauls.
Passengers board the ferry Malaspina while vehicles wait to load at the Auke Bay terminal in Juneau. Travelers will no longer be able to take advantage of some discounts, due to budget cuts. (Photo by Ed Schoenfeld, CoastAlaska News)

Facing a $16M repair bill, state to pull Malaspina ferry out of service

The 56-year-old Alaska Marine Highway System vessel will be stored in Ketchikan this January, according to the Department of Transportation.