The Alaska Marine Highway Systemâs budget is slated to receive $76 million in federal COVID-19 pandemic aid to forward-fund ferry service for the next 18 months and help create long-term financial stability.Â
Gov. Mike Dunleavy and Sen. Bert Stedman (R-Sitka)Â announced the agreement in Ketchikan, presenting the plan in front of borough and city leaders from Ketchikan, Saxman and Metlakatla.Â
The money for the AMHS will come from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021.
Most of it will come from money allocated to the Federal Transportation Administration, which received $14 billion in COVID relief. Some will also come from the Federal Highway Administration, which received $10 billion for highway infrastructure programs.
COVID-19 cases aboard Matanuska ferry disrupt sailings krbd.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from krbd.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Governor announces 18-month plan for AMHS funding taku105.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from taku105.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Governor, lawmakers unveil plan to use $76.8M federal windfall to fund ferries for 18 months
Posted by Eric Stone, KRBD and Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska | Apr 22, 2021
Gov. Mike Dunleavy speaks to reporters after meeting with Ketchikan-area mayors and other local officials Thursday. (Eric Stone/KRBD)
The governor and legislative leaders have agreed on a rough plan to use federal pandemic relief from Congress to help stabilize Alaska’s beleaguered ferry system.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy and lawmakers say a nearly $77 million windfall would allow the state to fund the Alaska Marine Highway System for the next year and a half. The governor visited Ketchikan on Thursday and discussed his proposal.