Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

As the marine highway workgroup strides into August, I want to provide an update on what we have been doing, and where we are heading.

Our meetings have been streamed live on Facebook,

and recordings are

available online at http://dot.alaska.gov/comm/amh-reshaping-workgroup/ if you wish to hear our specific discussions.

In line with Governor Dunleavy's Administrative Order No 313, we have reviewed the Northern Economic draft report of January 2020 as well as reports prepared for Southeast Conference. We heard from the experts who drafted the reports, current ferry system management, and union representatives. We received input from tribal representatives, coastal communities, residents, commercial operators and the Alaska Municipal League. We continue to seek direct input and expect to hear from the Marine Transportation Advisory Board, the Coast Guard, and Alaska shipyards. We invite and have received public comments during our meetings via email and will continue to do so. We will also focus one or more workgroup meetings to solicit direct public feedback in coming weeks. I appreciate the high level of public interest in our meetings and welcome people to tune in on future ones. Our workgroup conversations and questions are candid and robust.

We have heard and appreciate that the Alaska Marine Highway System has helped build businesses, lives, and communities in coastal Alaska. It connects communities to each other and to broader transportation systems. It provides enduring value to our state.

We have heard that reliable, predictable service that communities and businesses can plan around is a fundamental need. The current system design and operation does not meet that need. Moreover, there does not appear to be a scenario where the overall system could be operated at a profit by a commercial operator. Even with substantial changes, continuation of the AMHS will likely require some level of state subsidy. And that level must also accommodate overall state budget challenges.

The level of ferry service that is essential for ferry-served communities remains unclear in some cases. I appreciate it is difficult for anyone to admit that one could do with less, but that is a reality we confront. It is a hard call but a necessary one and a particular area we continue to seek input on. What service level can you live with if the service you receive is more reliable and predictable?

Fundamental changes to AMHS involving multiple stakeholders will be necessary for the system to sail confidently into the future. The workgroup's concerns and recommendations are coalescing around system governance, budget and budget planning, essential service levels, fleet makeup, maintenance, cost structure, and business practices. But, in the end, it is the will to embrace fundamental change to the status quo that will determine the future of Alaska's ferry system.

Most Alaskans can relate to the expression, "The easy day was yesterday." That rings true for the Alaska Marine Highway System. However, with the will to work together to implement fundamental change, Alaska can have a more reliable marine highway system, operating at less cost and providing coastal communities transportation that helps support their fundamental economic, educational, social, health, and mobility goals.

As we work to shape

our recommendations and complete our report, we welcome your continued input by email at DOT.AMH-Reshaping@alaska.gov.

Tom Barrett, chairman, Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Work Group

To the Editor:

Since noon on August 21, I have been made completely aware of how disrespectful my decision was to the numerous businesses and charities that have continuously and generously supported Wrangell Public Schools for many decades," she wrote. "As I carefully listened to concerns and facts, I began to sense the deep level I hurt caused this community by planning a last-minute shopping trip to Juneau. I can assure you, from the bottom of my heart, that it was never my intention to hurt or unnerve this community."

Debbe Lancaster, Wrangell School Superintendent

To the Editor:

Wrangell, the Gateway to the Stikine, has great potential for growth and prosperity. A good deal of that potential is associated with two major property holdings.

The Wrangell Council is currently evaluating the merits of developing the old Institute property, either in small parcels or holding for possibly a major marine condominium type complex utilizing floats and tie up facilities already located at Shoemaker Harbor. This type of development is becoming more desirable. Wrangell would benefit with the expanded tax base on both real estate and sales tax as well as the broad range of consumer spending. Wrangell has been blessed with this attractive site. It has waterfront with beach, water and electrical, hydrants in place, vessel berthing and a stunning panoramic view. I believe that for the time being, we should hold back from breaking up this most desirable site to be used for residential lot development.

Driving south to Mile 13 gives one a realistic view of lots of land open for housing, and looking at the For Sale signs in town, it doesn't appear we have a shortage of homes for sale. Many Americans have Alaska on their bucket list and want to go fishing or sightseeing up the Stikine. Others are looking for a second home to enjoy away from the 100 plus degree temperatures in the Lower 48.

When the Institute closed and the property was listed as government surplus, I had the opportunity to assist in the City receiving title. Cook Inlet Regional Corporation (CIRI) had selected the property, and then it decided it was too far from their regional area. I suggested that they transfer the property over to the City of Wrangell, and that was accomplished.

The second commercial site is the ALP mill site at Six Mile, one of the most favorable resource sites for timber processing in all of SE Alaska with deep water moorage, on the highway, and connected to water and electricity. When developed it will provide a much needed payroll so sorely needed today in Wrangell.

I noted mention of Wrangell withdrawing from the IFF (Inter Island Ferry). While the service was never fully implemented, ships were launched, docks were built on Mitkof Island and Coffman Cove. Wrangell must be included in that triangle service which will be established. We are already seeing an effort by the local Rainforest Island ferry to offer unscheduled service to POW. We must market Prince of Wales Island, Coffman Cove, Petersburg and Wrangell to a new type of tourist; those who want to see America by car. The Alaska Marine Highway System has the vessels to accommodate camper type tourists. After the pandemic is over this non cruise type tourist must be advertised and promoted by the State and our communities. The potential is there.

As Wrangell looks to prioritize its potential developments I suggest we put "adequate water supply" at the top. We should and can get federal help in selecting the most feasible site that can meet future water needs-whether it be Sunrise Lake on Woranofski or Mill Creek across from the airport or wherever. We must make our choices known and start the process. There is nothing more discouraging than a city sign saying "Commercial Water Unavailable." And more rain is not the answer.

Former Governor Frank Murkowski