Predictability and dependability.
More than anything else, that's what the communities served by the Alaska Marine Highway System need.
The communities need to know the schedules further in advance so that they can plan school sports, scholastic and musical events, regional festivals, and confidently market to tourists in a post-COVID world.
Residents need the dependability of ferry service for medical appointments, commerce and shopping, vehicle repair appointments at dealers, and of course family visits.
Under the budget cuts directed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, the ferry system - and the coastal communities - are coming up short on all counts. Though it's not entirely his fault. The governor inherited a state fiscal mess that has operated at a deficit for more than half of the past 30 years. Alaskans have been living beyond the means of oil revenues for that long, drawing from savings and hoping for magic or more oil at higher prices. But it looks like there is no rabbit jumping out of the hat and no $100-a-barrel oil.
So while proclaiming the annual Permanent Fund dividend a top priority for the state's limited dollars, the governor has taken budget-cutting aim at the ferry system, public broadcasting, environmental monitors aboard cruise ships, the University of Alaska system and other public services.
It's time for the Dunleavy administration to acknowledge that its definition of "essential service" for ferry communities is falling short of dependable, stable service levels that are so essential to the well-being of the coastal towns.
When a state ferry calls on Wrangell this week, it will be the first ship to do so in two months. Alas, the town will not see another ferry for more than another month. Alaska can and must do better for its residents.
And if that means imposing a state tax - income or sales tax - so be it. The 58-year-old ferry system cannot run on hope. It needs fuel and everything else that costs money. And if it also means smaller Permanent Fund dividends to adequately fund the ferry system, the university, public schools and health and safety and social services, so be it. All Alaskans, statewide, should help pay for the services that are so important to the economic and social health of our communities.
Hacking away at ferry services for a lack of funding is destructive to coastal towns. Alaskans need to figure out a way to pay for an adequate ferry system.
-- The Wrangell Sentinel
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