If estimates of expected attendance hold true, the population of Wrangell could increase by 25 percent or more in May 2013 – during the rededication of Chief Shakes Tribal House.
The numbers of expected visitors, which has been calculated by Tis Peterman of the Wrangell Cooperative Association, could equal between 700-1,000 participants from across Alaska and the lower-48.
Because of this projection, the hunt for housing so many visitors to the borough is on with a vengeance.
“So far we’re organizing it, even though we’re leaving it up to a lot of folks to find their own housing,” said WCA president Ernie Christian. “We’re trying to put together a list, and have the Stikine Inn, Diamond C, Sourdough Lodge and a lot of the B&Bs booked solid. So, two months ago we sent a letter into the governor’s office and to AMHS looking for help.”
The request sent to Governor Parnell’s office by WCA to use a ferry vessel from the Alaska Marine Highway System was declined earlier this year, with the Governor’s office providing a pair of reasons for the refusal.
“I have spoken with Captain Mike Neussl, Director of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), regarding your request to use an AMHS ferry for housing purposes during the event,” said Gov. Parnell’s Deputy Chief of Staff Randy Ruaro in a letter to WCA president Ernie Christian. “Unfortunately, there are significant reasons that this may not be a viable option.”
According to Ruaro, the use of AMHS ferries for housing purposes have historically been for emergency services. Additionally, the uncertainty of the 2013 schedule at this time would contribute to the denial by AMHS.
“Given that this special interest request falls outside the scope of the mission of the Alaska Marine Highway System and the intended use of State ferries, we feel it is important to be conscientious and fair to other communities which have made similar requests and not had their requests accommodated,” the letter states.
In late August, tribal vice president Tim Gillen requested additional ferry service to Wrangell be added in support of the event, as well as a possible discount for travelers coming to Wrangell.
The AMHS denied both requests as well.
“In terms of AMHS vessel scheduling, providing the requested additional sailings during the rededication in early May is very difficult,” wrote Neussl in a letter to the tribe. “Wrangell is served exclusively by mainline vessels rather than by shuttle vessels. Altering the schedule of a mainliner to provide additional service to one community negatively impacts many other communities along the route who rely on AMHS.”
Neussl added that while he was “reluctant” to make any changes to existing schedules, he asked the tribe to push the idea of making timely reservations on the existing routes.
“I note that you are actively promoting the rededication ceremony well in advance, and I would encourage you to encourage potential participants to make reservations in advance to guarantee space on the scheduled AMHS service that is available,” Neussl added.
A request for lower fares was also declined on the basis that AMHS operating costs “far exceed the revenue it generates,” making it impossible to offer any discount.
“We’ll come together to get everyone housed,” Christian added. “And, we’ll put another request into the governor’s office. We also have Senator Kookesh and Senator Stedman who have both said they firmly support our effort and that we should be able to get a ferry here for the rededication.”
Borough Manager Tim Rooney, who will be traveling soon to Juneau said he plans on visiting with as many government officials as he can while there, in an attempt to have AMHS revisit the issue.
Any Wrangell resident with room to spare for visitors during the celebration is asked to contact Tis Peterman or Carol Snoddy at the WCA office downtown.
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