State transportation officials are seeking public comment through Feb. 7 on the proposed summer ferry schedule for the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities also will hold teleconferences to hear comments and consider adjustments to the proposed ferry schedule on Monday, Feb. 8.
The teleconference for Southeast Alaska schedules will be at 10 a.m. and a second teleconference for Southwest and Southcentral schedules will begin at 1:30 p.m.
Call the toll-free number to participate in either teleconference: 1-515-604-9000, access code 279613.
DOTPF officials said the proposed schedule patterns are based on projections for funding considering the state’s fiscal environment, service demand (considering the continued COVID-19 pandemic) and Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed FY22 budget. The plan has been designed to meet community service needs while staying within these parameters and maintaining regulatory and safety standards for the vessels. Due to the pandemic and continuing Canadian order closures, the proposed schedule does not include service to Prince Rupert.
According to DOTPF, the state is working with U.S. and Canadian federal officials on pre-clearance requirements and may add Prince Rupert service later.
The draft schedule is online/ with accompanying documents at http://alaska.gov/go/Z9GC
State transportation officials said they are also interested in learning about any needs for special events scheduling and request that organizers or communities give the event name, dates, location and arrival and departure times needed for each special event.
Written comments will be accepted on or before Feb. 7, via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov or via fax at 907-228-6874.
