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Lots of budget work left

EDITOR, Daily News: On May 10, the Alaska State House of Representatives passed a state budget. On May 19, the Senate passed its version. Now, it is time for the two bodies to come together during a Conference Committee to negotiate the differences. The House budget includes $5 million in funding for Pre-K grants, an Office of Children’s Services position for Wrangell, and funding for DIPAC and Crystal Lake hatcheries. The Senate version does not include the previously stated items. Unlike the House budget, it does include about a $2,300 dividend per each Alaskan.   Both budgets include funding for 18-month forward funding for the Alaska Marine Highway System, 100% of school bond debt reimbursement, public broadcasting, and funds to reopen the Wrangell Fish & Game office. Both budgets also include a slight increase to the University of Alaska over the cuts proposed by the governor’s compact in hopes of offsetting revenues lost during COVID-19.  

Positive promotion

Earlier this week, AMHS announced two short-term promotional fares for voyages in Southwest Alaska. “Kick-start summer with a weekend getaway to Cordova and explore more of Alaska,” stated the AMHS announcement that highlighted 20% off on passenger and passenger vehicle fares between Whittier and Cordova on May 27 and May 30. The other announcement was for similar discounts for ferry travel between Port Lions and Ouzinkie or Kodiak on May 28. Both promotions include free travel for youth under the age of 12 on those sailings. It’s is good to see AMHS reaching out to potential travelers with these types of promotions. We imagine they’ll catch the attention of at least a few folks with some available time and an interest in the particular trips and destinations on offer. Twenty percent off isn’t a massive deal, but it’s enough to attract attention.

Legislature sends Alaska ferry reform bill to governor

Legislature sends Alaska ferry reform bill to governor Posted by Jacob Resneck, CoastAlaska | May 19, 2021 A rainbow over Keku Strair near Kake is seen on May 16, 2021 from the deck of the ferry Matanuska. (Photo by Joe Viechnicki/KFSK) The Alaska Marine Highway System has been struggling with deep spending cuts, an aging fleet and declining ridership as it runs fewer ships to coastal communities.  Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) says that House Bill 63 would replace an existing advisory panel with a nine-member Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board tasked with crafting a short- and long-term vision. “Their job is to assess and suggest marine business and procurement practices, enhance revenue and reduce costs,” Stevens said during the Senate’s floor debate Tuesday.

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