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While the threat of service reductions looms over the Alaska Marine Highway System as the Legislature devises its budget, starting this summer travelers will at least have another option to hop between islands in the area. The North End Ferry Authority (NEFA) in Coffman Cove is starting up Rainforest Islands Ferry, a three-stop service between Wrangell, Petersburg and Prince of Wales Island. Beginning June 14, the ferry's new public passenger-vehicle service will connect stops at Coffman Cove,...
From the beginning of this legislative session, everyone knew the $3.5 billion budget deficit would be the driving force behind nearly all legislative considerations. With oil tax revenue making up over 90% of all state revenue, and oil prices dropping from an average of $110 a barrel to approximately $50 a barrel, there was no escaping the necessity of making some extremely difficult budget reductions. The decisions made in each legislative committee resulted in budget cuts across the board to all regions of the state. However, because of the...
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) – The Kennicott, a ferry in the Alaska Marine Highway System, set sail earlier this month from the Ketchikan Shipyard with more than $13 million in repairs and refurbishments complete. The ferry, which underwent work over the past two winters at the shipyard, is returning to service after undergoing extensive upgrades on systems ranging from electrical, refrigeration and information technology to the vehicle elevator. The project also included adding heated windows to the bridge and a main engine overhaul, according to T...
As legislators in Juneau prepare a budget for the state's next fiscal year, Alaska residents have been urged to contribute their say as cuts are considered. Since the Legislative session began on Jan. 20, lawmakers have been weighted with the task of finding ways to address a more than $3.6 billion deficit. To that end, the State House was looking at making a nearly 10 percent, or about $240 million, cut from state spending over the previous fiscal year. Among areas affected by the cuts would be capital improvements, education, transportation,...
Leave our highway open Despite the proposed statewide budget cuts, our legislators will not close paved highways elsewhere in the state. Likewise, they won’t restrict two-lane highways down to a single lane. But that will be the effect of a proposal by a legislative subcommittee that is proposing a 10-percent cut to the Alaska ferry system. Some proposals call for taking ferries out of service, including replacement vessels that go into service when vessels are taken out of service for repairs or annual Coast Guard required overhauls. Southeast...
As the fisheries industry continues to expand and Wrangell's Marine Service Center's services demand increases, I believe Wrangell's economy has nowhere to go but up. However, to accommodate this growth, the state must maintain their services in Wrangell. I am particularly concerned about the conservation of state jobs in Wrangell. Several years ago, Wrangell lost its social worker and its fisheries biologist. Now, the loss of the Wrangell trooper and the potential of reduced funding to the city...
A number of public hearings on Alaska Marine Highway System’s operating budget have been scheduled this week, allowing ferry users the opportunity to give their input to state legislators as they draw up a budget. In a media release, Southeast Conference highlights the ferry system’s importance to the region’s communities, and further warns of a possible $9.5 million cut to AMHS being weighed as the Legislature finds ways to address a $3.5 billion deficit anticipated for the 2016 fiscal year. If that sized cut goes ahead as planned, servi...
Following the endorsement by Alaska voters of Ballot Measure 2 in November, marijuana consumption is scheduled to become legal for adults aged 21 and older beginning Feb. 24. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Board has within nine months from that date to adopt regulations governing marijuana-related entities and then regulate the newly-formed industry. Currently in Alaska, the possession of an ounce or less within the privacy of one’s home is legal. Outside the home, use or display of any amount or possession of an ounce or less of marijuana i...
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) announced travel fares on the Alaska Marine Highway System will increase 4.5 percent starting May 1. The new fare structure went into effect with the new year, but will not affect reservations already made in advance. Some fares will not be affected by the new structure. The ADOT&PF release said fares that are “disproportionately higher” than the majority of AMHS fares will remain unchanged. The department reports the fare increase will help cover operating costs and mee...
Recently-elected Alaska House District 36 Representative Dan Ortiz paid Wrangell a visit Tuesday, meeting with Mayor David Jack and Borough Manager Jeff Jabusch at City Hall that afternoon. Since the Nov. 4 election, Ortiz explained he has been connecting with his constituent communities, and gathering input for setting goals for the next legislative session when it starts in January. As Wrangell's future representative, he said three local projects stood out. The first was final phasing for the Wrangell Marine Service Center, which is...
After about three weeks of tallying, Alaska’s general election results were finally certified by Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell on Nov. 26. Turnout in the state was the third-highest turnout of any state, with 284,925 of the 509,011 registered voters participating. High-profile races and a trio of contentious ballot measures may explain the figures: as a result of the election Alaska has become the fourth state to legalize recreational marijuana use and will tout one of the highest minimum wage levels in the country. Some of the s...
It’s the time of year when Alaska’s fishery meetings kick into high gear - with five set for this week alone. The industry will get a first glimpse of potential 2015 halibut catches when the International Pacific Halibut Commission convenes in Seattle, WA. It’s been a wait and see attitude among fish circles - will Alaska’s catch limits again be reduced, down already 70% over a decade to just 16 million pounds? Or has the Pacific halibut stock started to rebound as some of the science indicates? Tune into the IPHC meetings live via webinar...
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced Friday it will be delaying the implementation of its upcoming unaccompanied minor policy for Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) services. The new policy would no longer allow children under the age of 18 to travel unaccompanied on the ferry system. Currently, travelers aged 12 to 15 can show a note from their parents or legal guardians allowing them to travel alone, and no restrictions are in place for those aged 16 and older. Exemptions to the new policy include...
Alaska Governor Sean Parnell announced Saturday that Ketchikan-based Vigor Alaska will construct two new day ferries for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS). Construction of both vessels is scheduled to begin in October, and completion is estimated to take four years. Each vessel will be a 280-foot, "roll on–roll off" type passenger ferry, capable of carrying 450 passengers and up to 60 vehicles. The ships will cost $101 million to construct. “I’ve lived in Ketchikan all my life,” said Ketchikan shipyard worker Norm Skan. “It’s such an hon...
By the time the fog finally dissipated Tuesday afternoon, the 56th annual Southeast Conference (SEC) was already underway at Wrangell's Nolan Center. Poor visibility prevented the appearance of the conference's opening speaker, Alaska Governor Sean Parnell, but there were a number of interesting presenters on hand to cover a wide array of topics near and dear to the region. “It's just a great opportunity to learn about all of Southeast,” commented Chere Klein, the Republican candidate for House District 36 in November's upcoming election. “It...
As 180 delegates converge on Wrangell this week for the 56th annual Southeast Conference, Alaska State House hopefuls have likewise paid a visit in order to meet some of the people one will eventually represent after November's election. Independent candidate Dan Ortiz and Republican Chere Klein are competing for the District 36 seat, which was created during 2011 redistricting and includes Ketchikan, Saxman, Wrangell, Metlakatla and Hydaburg. The incumbent, Rep. Peggy Wilson, is stepping down this year after serving 14 years in the Alaska...
The proposed Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) schedule for next year’s summer season has been placed on the service’s website for public review. The public comment period is an opportunity for communities in Southeast to review and comment on the proposed schedule, particularly as to how planned events might be better accommodated. The proposed schedule can be accessed through a link on the homepage at FerryAlaska.com or at www.dot.state.ak.us/amhs/share/schedule/considerations.pdf. Written comments will be accepted before Sept. 23 via ema...
PETERSBURG – Representatives from the Alaska Department of Transportation (ADOT&PF) gave a public presentation on their long-range transportation plan for Southeast Alaska last Wednesday. The presentation was followed by a public comment period, which centered largely on ferry service and the Kake Access project. ADOT&PF’s draft Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) is a 20-year plan for the region which recommends projects for roadways, airports and ferry service. Regional trends, current priorities and projects, as well as mai...
Drivers on Zimovia Highway will see new signs this summer instructing them to keep their headlights on at all times, regardless of season or the time of day. The signs will be installed by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) on Zimovia Highway between the Case Avenue and Nemo Point Road intersections. Seven Southeast communities were chosen for the new signs, including Haines, Ketchikan, Juneau, Petersburg, Sitka and Prince of Wales Island. According to the ADOT&PF press release, the highway corridors chosen...
Local legislators were circumspect about their accomplishments in the 95-day second legislative session, gaveled out April 25. State Sen. Bert Stedman (R – Sitka) and State Rep. Sam Kito (D – Juneau) both cited a $3 billion contribution to the Public Employee Retirement System and Teacher Retirement System, known as PERS and TRS, respectively, as among the positive steps, though they were quick to point out that legislators also extended the terms of the unfunded liability, meaning Alaska municipalities could feel a budgetary pinch down the roa...
To the Editor: I have 3 questions to the public, and don’t know who to ask, so here goes. #1 Why is the legislature going after the Marine Highway system? When these same legislatures break state law and transport their personal vehicles without drivers to and from the capitol, as well as trying to destroy jobs in this economy by dismantling a system with the lowest paid members of any state union. #2 Why has there been no mention of the Federal Investigation, of Rich Rhodes and our school system? #3 What is our Energy department doing about th...
The borough assembly held an almost hour-long closed-door executive session Tuesday to discuss litigation stemming from a suit involving borough police department personnel. Alesa and Jerry McHolland filed the suit in Wrangle Superior Court in November 2013. It alleges wrongful termination, “deliberate and incessant discrimination,” and “intentional infliction of emotional distress.” It accuses former borough Manager Tim Rooney, Police Chief Doug McCloskey, and Lt. Merlin Ehlers of harassing and terminating Alesa McHolland in 2011, when sh...
In the Sentinel 100, 75, 50 and 25 years ago. March 26, 1914: J.H. Hyland and Ias. Troxel arrived down the river from Telegraph last Thursday and took the Princess south to Victoria Friday night. Mr. Hyland is a well-known booster of Telegraph and is making the trip outside to get a new pack train to use in that country as soon as work starts in the Dease lake country. The prospects in that country are brighter than ever, according to Mr. Hyland. March 31, 1939: A special meeting of the City Council held Friday night was called by Mayor Van H....
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is seeking public input on the winter and spring 2014/2015 Alaska Marine Highway System ferry schedule. A view of the schedule can be found at dot.alaska.gov/amhs/share/schedule/consideration.pdf. Written comments will be accepted prior to April 5 via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at 907-586-8365. A teleconference to hear comments and consider adjustments is scheduled Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. for Southeast schedules. The meeting will be held in...
Hello everyone! Welcome to week eight of our Legislative Session. We have entered the downside of the session so, as in past years, the pace has quickened and night meetings will continue to happen more and more in order for us to get all of the work done in the allotted 90 days. I am excited to report that this past week my House Joint Resolution 10 (HJR10) passed from the House over to the Senate. For the past five years I have been advocating for an Alaska Transportation Infrastructure Fund (ATIF). In Fiscal Year 2014, 79 percent of...