House approves bill for AMHS operations board

The Ferry M/V Aurora arrives in Cordova for the first time since 2019. (April 21, 2021) Photo by David Little/for The Cordova Times

Legislation to establish a board tasked with finding ways to keep the Alaska Marine Highway System sustainable has passed the House and is on its way to the Senate.

House Bill 63, sponsored by Speaker of the House Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, passed the House on Wednesday, May 5, by a vote of 37-0. HB 63 would establish a nine-member Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board. Members would include the deputy commissioner of the Transportation Department, four individuals appointed by the governor, two by the speaker of the house and two by the senate president.

“One of the biggest challenges facing the Alaska Marine Highway system is a lack of clarity and long-term planning objectives,” said Stutes. “This bill takes an important step toward building the system coastal Alaskans deserve by utilizing marine business expertise and focusing on improving fleet design and vessel deployment strategy. “

Stutes said she is encouraged by the bipartisan effort that went into the legislation, a reminder of how critical AMHS is to all Alaskans.

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