Ferry service to expand in springPublished on January 7th, 2010 By DUTCH HARBOR FISHERMAN STAFF
Gov. Sean Parnell has directed the Alaska Marine Highway System to schedule additional ferry runs between Homer and Dutch Harbor in May 2010 and 2011, according to a news release. The change means the ferry Tustumena will depart from Homer twice in May, stopping in Kodiak, Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, False Pass, Akutan and Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Specific dates for departure were to be available this week. This doubling of the usual schedule will not only support delivery of crews and supplies for the summer fishing season, but also provide increased access for residents and tourists. "In my travels throughout Southwest Alaska, Kodiak and the Aleutians, I clearly heard from residents and public officials how important ferry service is to these communities," Parnell said. "By expanding ferry service during this critical time of year, we are helping to address the serious transportation needs of Alaskans in this remote region of our state." The state's largest seafood processor is in Akutan, and the second-largest is in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, the nation's top port for fish landings. Increased access to these and other Aleutian communities directly supports the fish harvesting and processing industries, which account for 6 percent of Alaska jobs. To free the Tustumena for its additional Aleutian service, the ferry Kennicott will cover the Tustumena's normal service to Whittier, Kodiak, Homer and Seldovia. This will benefit the Kodiak Crab Festival, as the larger Kennicott can carry larger, more exciting carnival rides for the popular Memorial Day weekend event, said transportation commissioner Leo von Scheben. "As the Kennicott can carry more vehicles and passengers, more folks can enjoy Kodiak's annual seafood celebration, as well as take a trip on one of our nicest ferries," von Scheben said. The 382-foot Kennicott can carry up to 499 passengers and 80 vehicles, while the 296-foot Tustumena can carry up to 174 passengers and 36 vehicles. The schedule change will also bring extra ferry service for Southeast communities, as the Kennicott will serve the Ketchikan-Juneau-Whittier run on its way to the Homer-Seldovia-Kodiak run. Dutch Harbor Fisherman Staff can be reached at editor@alaskanewspapers.com |
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