Comment by Aug. 31 on summer ferry schedule

The M/V Aurora en route from Cordova to Whittier. (Sept. 19, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times
The M/V Aurora en route from Cordova to Whittier. (Sept. 19, 2019) Photo by Zachary Snowdon Smith/The Cordova Times

State transportation officials are seeking public comment through Aug. 31 on the proposed Alaska Marine Highway System ferry schedule for May-September 2022.

Once the 2022 summer schedule is finalized a full year of ferry sailings will be available for booking for the first time, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The proposed schedule patterns are based on adopted FY22 funding levels, with the operating plan designed to meet community service needs and maintain regulatory and safety standards

for the vessels, said Deputy Commissioner Rob Carpenter.  The schedule leaves room for the addition of Prince Rupert if clearance requirements are addressed, he said.  The schedule also would allow for the Columbia, which is currently in overhaul, to provide additional service if staffing challenges can be overcome.

The draft schedule is online with accompanying documents at cdv.tiny.us/draft.

Comments can be submitted until Aug. 31 todot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at 907-228-6873.

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A public teleconference to hear more comments and consider schedule adjustments is set for Sept. 2 at 10 a.m. for Southeast schedules and 1:30 p.m. for Southwest and Southcentral schedules. The meetings will be at the AMHS office in Ketchikan for those wishing to attend.

The toll-free number for both teleconferences is 1-515-604-9000.

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