Alaska Marine Receives Stability Budget
The Alaska Legislature has approved a $66.7 million budget to keep the Alaska Marine Highway
System running for the year.
The operating budget for the state's ferry service was increased by around $20 million over the previous year.
The operating budget for the state's ferry service was increased by around $20 million over the previous year.
The ferry Aurora, (currently laid up
because of cost-cutting), will receive another $19 million for repairs and and should now guarantee that a back-up ferry is available should another vessel breaks down.
Independent Rep. Dan Ortiz has determined to bring stability back to the state’s ferry network and to put "... the marine highway system in the place where they should be able to provide adequate service throughout the system."
While Governor Dunleavy still has an option to veto the budget, it is thought to be unlikely after this last years strain on not only the system, but Alaska residents & visitors to the state.