Alaska Marine Highway

John Waterhouse of Elliott Bay Design speaks about the Alaska Marine Highway Reform Project to Southeast Conference attendees on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 in Haines, Alaska. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)

To fix ferry system, Southeast Conference looks to railroad as a model

HAINES — Southeast Alaska leaders believe they have a solution to some of the problems plaguing the Alaska Marine Highway System: Run it like a… Continue reading

John Waterhouse of Elliott Bay Design speaks about the Alaska Marine Highway Reform Project to Southeast Conference attendees on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2017 in Haines, Alaska. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)
In this June 13 photo, an Alaska Marine Highway System terminal crewman closes the gate to board the ferry Kennicott as it leaves for Yakutat. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Alaska Legislature’s mistake may shut down state ferry system

HAINES — A legislative mistake may mean a spring shutdown of the Alaska Marine Highway. Pat Pitney, director of the Alaska Office of Management and… Continue reading

In this June 13 photo, an Alaska Marine Highway System terminal crewman closes the gate to board the ferry Kennicott as it leaves for Yakutat. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

State confirms sale of Taku

The state has confirmed it will sell the ferry Taku to a developer who intends to turn it into a floating hotel in Portland. Jonathan… Continue reading

The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Taku. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Ferry Taku may be bound for Portland and become a hipster

The ferry Taku may soon become a Portland hotel. On Friday, Jonathan Cohen of Portland, Oregon was the high bidder when the Alaska Department of… Continue reading

The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Taku. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Conference will consider future of Alaska Marine Highway System

Some of the top tribal, state and municipal and business leaders in Southeast will gather in Haines this week for a conference that may decide… Continue reading

A landslide blocks Sitka’s Halibut Point Road on Monday. No one was injured in the slide, the city’s worst in two years, and one home suffered superficial damage.  ^ Roberta White | Sitka Fire Department

Boats defeat landslide

No one was injured and no homes were significantly damaged in a major landslide Monday in Sitka. The trouble was with the ferry. About 12:30… Continue reading

A landslide blocks Sitka’s Halibut Point Road on Monday. No one was injured in the slide, the city’s worst in two years, and one home suffered superficial damage.  ^ Roberta White | Sitka Fire Department
Trump’s transportation plans may cause trouble for Marine Highway

Trump’s transportation plans may cause trouble for Marine Highway

The design is ready. The money’s in the bank. Now, what does President Donald Trump think? In a meeting with the state Marine Transportation Advisory… Continue reading

Trump’s transportation plans may cause trouble for Marine Highway
Members of the Alaska House-Senate budget conference committee prepare to open their meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in the Senate Finance Committee Room of the Alaska Capitol. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)

Lawmakers agree on DOT budget, but solution may mean long-term trouble for ferries

The legislative committee trying to avert an Alaska government shutdown has agreed on a deal to fund the Alaska Marine Highway, but its solution sets… Continue reading

Members of the Alaska House-Senate budget conference committee prepare to open their meeting Tuesday, June 20, 2017 in the Senate Finance Committee Room of the Alaska Capitol. (James Brooks | Juneau Empire)

No one wants the ferry Taku

No one wants the ferry Taku. According to the Alaska Marine Highway System, no one has met the minimum $1.5 million bid to buy the… Continue reading

The state of Alaska is selling the Alaska Marine Highway ferry Taku. The ship was commissioned in 1963. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Up for sale, state ferry Taku isn’t a buyer’s delight

The difference between dreams and reality is about $1.5 million. On Friday, the Alaska Marine Highway listed the 54-year-old ferry Taku for sale, minimum bid… Continue reading

The state of Alaska is selling the Alaska Marine Highway ferry Taku. The ship was commissioned in 1963. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire File)

Legislative parents name their ‘babies’ Tazlina and Hubbard

Their official christening is months away, but the parents have given their blessing on a name. On Friday, the Alaska House of Representatives voted 38-0… Continue reading

Waste not: Ferries’ flushing bill wins Senate support, 16-2

The Alaska Senate voted 16-2 Friday to cut a break in the state’s environmental regulations for small cruise ships and the Alaska Marine Highway. Senate… Continue reading