The state is seeking feedback on the 2022 summer ferry schedule.
The proposed operating plan, which covers May through September 2022, is now available for review, Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced in a news release. Comments can be submitted through Aug. 31.
“This summer schedule will allow residents and visitors to make plans on our ferry system a year in advance, bringing certainty and reliability,” said John Commissioner MacKinnon in a news release. “This is only possible because Governor Dunleavy forward funded the AMHS by 18 months, increased the ferry system budget year-over-year by $8 million and continues to push for reforms that will make for more sustainable ferry service in the face of continued budget deficits.”
The proposed vessel deployment is:
— Kennicott to operate Bellingham-Juneau cross the Gulf to Southwest, three times per month, May through September.
— Matanuska to operate on the Wednesday Bellingham route, May through September.
— LeConte to sail Northern Panhandle May through September.
— Columbia to operate on the Friday Bellingham route, mid-May to mid-September (pending crew availability).
— Lituya to sail five days per week between Annette Bay and Ketchikan, May, August and September. It will be in a federal project in June and July.
— Tustumena to sail the Southwest Route with one Aleutian chain trip per month May through September.
— Aurora to sail PWS May through September.
Comments can be faxed to 907-228-6873 or emailed to dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov, according to the transportation department. Email is preferred. A teleconference for additional comments is scheduled for 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, for Southeast schedules; and 1:30 p.m. for Southwest and Southcentral schedules.
The toll -free number to participate in both teleconferences is: 1-515-604-9000, access code 279613.
The draft schedule can be seen online at dot.alaska.gov/amhs/doc/summer_considerations_2022.pdf.
• Contact the Juneau Empire newsroom at (907)308-4895.
