The Federal Transit Administration announced on November. 30 that the rural ferry service in Alaska will receive around $132 million. The federal funds come from the 2023 Ferry Grant Program, which is financed through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The fleet of Alaska Marine Highway vessels has been showing signs of aging which means that the government is having a hard time trying to maintain the ships’ staffing. Since the beginning of the year there were significant cuts in services.
In an address on Nov. 30 address, announcing the windfall of the new year, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski said the funds are “a huge, substantial benefit” to Alaskans who depend on the services.
“I used to use the ferry system for getting across the Southeast and I am aware of how vital this Alaska Marine Highway system to numerous Alaskan family members,” said Murkowski. “By supporting the operations across the state, and replacing the Tustumena ferry service that serves Southwest Alaska, we’re helping connect communities along the coast across the state.”
The grant amount of $92 million will be used to fund a project that will replace the Tustumena ferry, a passenger vessel that connects towns in Southwest along with Southcentral Alaska. The vessel that is in decline is affectionately referred to as the “Rusty Tusty” is nearly six decades old. Its replacement is an state’s first hybrid diesel and electric ferry. The state must provide a minimum of $23 million to fund this part in the award.
However, the rest of the $38 million in funds doesn’t require a matching contribution as it will be used to improve The Marine Highway’s crew, as well as vessels.
Murkowski stated that the federal funding will ensure the ferry service for rural communities. She added that this is an chance to revitalize the ailing ferry system.
“I urge the state to be smart about how to make the most of these investment opportunities,” she said. “The development of the Alaska Marine Highway System depends on their effort and contributions.”
So far the year 2021, the Bipartisan legislation on infrastructure has secured the total amount to $716 million for initiatives to rejuvenate Alaska Marine Highway System. Alaska Marine Highway System.
