Legislature(2019 - 2020)BARNES 124
03/12/2019 01:30 PM House TRANSPORTATION
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Alaska Marine Highway System | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE TRANSPORTATION STANDING COMMITTEE
March 12, 2019
1:30 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Louise Stutes, Co-Chair
Representative Harriet Drummond
Representative Andi Story
Representative Dave Talerico
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Adam Wool, Co-Chair
Representative Matt Claman
Representative Sara Rasmussen
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Ortiz
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
ERNIE WEISE, Natural Resources Director
Aleutians East Borough
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KATIE COTZ
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DENISE MAY
Port Lions, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MICHEAL HOLDEN
Port Lions, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LESTER LUKIN
Native Village of Port Lions
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JAMES MCCURDY
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARIAN ALLEN
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
HARVEY BRANDT
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARY MEHLBERG
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
NEIL KELLY
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DAVID BERG
Viking Travel and Alaska Ferry Vacations
Petersburg, AK
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JULIE HURSEY
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ALAN LANNING, Cordova City Manager
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JEFF GUARD
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MIKE SIROFCHUCK
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AIMEE WILLIAMS, Executive Director
Discover Kodiak
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOYCE FRANK
Angoon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RON SOMERVILLE
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GENEVIEVE KNUDSON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DENNIS WATSON, General Manager
Inter-Island Ferry Authority
Craig, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ERIC GUCKER
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARY LYNNE DAHL
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GENEVIEVE STILL
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BARRETT FLETCHER
Fritz Creek, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LADONNA BOTSFORD
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ROB FIX, Executive Director
Port of Bellingham
Bellingham, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
WALT WELLER, Mayor
City of Pelican
Pelican, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
FRANK KELTY, Mayor
City of Unalaska
Unalaska, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JILL JACOBS
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DENNIS ZADRA
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DAVID THOMAS, Business Owner
Sentinel Coffee LLC
Gustavus, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
WAYNE CARNES
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ROBB ARNOLD
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
TOM PANAMAROFF, President
Koniag, Incorporated
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GREG WAKEFIELD
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GERRY HOPE
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VICKI NOVAK
Ouzinkie, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SLASH SELIGMAN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CORY THOLE
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARY WEGNER, Ed.D.
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
FRANK JIMMY
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CAROL TREIM
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARILYN MORREY
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MICHAEL TRUEX
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GAYLE EASTWOOD
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANDREW SMALLWOOD
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SYLVIA LANGE, Business Owner
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KARL BECKER
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SARAH PHILLIPS, Community Relations Director
Chamber of Commerce
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
FRANK SCHIRO, Executive Director
Chamber of Commerce
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ROY SMITH
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DARLENE BRETKREUTZ
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DONALD WESTLUND
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BUCK LINDEKUBEL
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SHAWN BIESSEL
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LORETTO JONES
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GAVIN HUDSON
Metlakatla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
NICKI SHELTON
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RENN NELSON
Steamboat Bay, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DAN BAXTER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ESTE FIELDING
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JANA RING
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LIBBY STORTZ
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANN GRISWOLD
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KATHY NIELSON
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JANIS JOHNSON
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JACKIE TYSON
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KATHI REIMER
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
NORM CARSON
Pelican, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JANET KUSSART
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RICH LYON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RORIE WATT
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BRIDGET SMITH
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
STACY OLIVER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CRAIG SMITH
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SHAUN NELSHEM
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PETE MICKELSON
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARC CARREL
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KRISTIN CARPENTER, Executive Director
Copper River Watershed Project
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SCOTT ADAMS
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CAMILLE FERGUSON
Sitka Tribe of Alaska and the American Indian Alaska Native
Tourism Association
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VAUGHN HAZEL
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANNE POLLNOW
Sea Level Consulting, LLC
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SARAH EPTON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LAURIE CRAIG
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PAT BRANSON, Mayor
City of Kodiak
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GEORGE SMALLWOOD
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOEL PROBST
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARIE ROSE
Haines, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOSEPH RIDLEY
Metlakatla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SETH HOWARD
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOEY TILLSON, Ketchikan Chapter Vice President
Alaska State Employees Association
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DANIEL CHRISTENSEN
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CATHERINE GOODWIN
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VICKY JOE KENNEDY
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SHANNON ADAMSON, Regional Representative
Masters, Mates, & Pilots
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
NICOULOUS ADAMSON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JAIME BRICKER
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARLA HOWARD, Councilmember
Kake City Council
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LORETTA RICE
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CHRISTIE JAMIESON
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JENNIFER DOZIER
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VICKIE BUNESS
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MIKE LOCKABEY
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PATRICIA RELAY, Board President
Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau
Valdez, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DAVID KENSINGER
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LINDA SLAUGHT
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BOB BEHRENDS
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MICHELLE HAHN
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CAROLYN ROSEVERY
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PAUL JOHNSON, President and CEO
Highliner Consulting Group, LLC
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
HEATHER MCCLAIN
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
TANIA HARRISON
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JEB MARROW
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PATRICIA ALEXANDER
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VALERIE BROOKS
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DORINDA KEWAN, Mayor
City of Port Lions
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PAT HOLMES
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JENNIFER TORSSEN, Board Member and Clerk
Ouzinkie Native Corporation and the City of Ouzinkie
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANDY KHMELLEN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DAVID BELL
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ERLING WALL
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BRIAN LEAD
Douglas, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANN MCPHERSON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AMY SWEENEY
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RENEE TRAFTON, Owner and Chef
Beak Restaurant
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MATT TRAFTON
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARTINA KURZER
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANN PHIPPS GRAHAM
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JESSICA WALLIN
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CLAUDIA BOYD
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KEVIN NYE
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PATRICK WELS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ANDREW CREMATA
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JERI CHESLOCK
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
INGRID CUMBERLIDGE
Sand Point, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LILLY JAMES
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JILL BOSKOFSKI
Ouzinkie, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GARY BOSKOFSKI
Ouzinkie, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KATHERINE PANAMARIOFF
Ouzinkie, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SAM STEPANOFF
Chignik Lake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JIM STERNS
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ROBIN SHERMAN
Sitka, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
RANIYAH BAKER
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SALLY DYBDAHL
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DENISE FAGER
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BRIAN HIMELBLOOM
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOANN BARSIC
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DALE PIHLMAN
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CARL BRODERSEN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CHELSEA GAGNON
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CATE ROSS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DESIREE RODRIGUEZ, President
Health Care Unit 2201 of the International Longshore and
Warehouse Union
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ALLISON QUIGLEY
Craig, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KATIE CRANEY
Haines, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
NICHELLE ROTIER
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
VIRGINIA LONG
Skagway, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MELODI ANDERSON
City of Ouzinkie
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CASEY JANTZ
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MICHAEL BOURAY
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KARLA BOURAY
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LLOYD JIM
Angoon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
BROOKE LESLIE, Co-Owner
Alaska Waters
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AMY RYDER, Union Treasurer
Local 200's Healthcare Unit 2201, International Longshore and
Warehouse Union
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LIN DAVIS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
HEATHER PARKER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CORDOVA PLEASANTS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KEVIN SUND
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARLENE ZUBOFF
Admiralty Island, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PAULINE JIM
Admiralty Island, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PEGGY WILLIAM
Admiralty Island, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KIMBERLY PETERSON
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PATRICIA PHILLIPS
Pelican, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JEFFREY PETERSON
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JACK GROMMETT
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARTHA INDRELAND
Yakutat, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KENNETH STEWART
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ALLEN CHRISTENSON
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SEAN MCLEMORE
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LILLIAN WOODBURY
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LAURA STATS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
CHEYENNE CUELLER
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LATOYA HARTLEY
Village of Port Lions, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SUSAN TYLER
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOHN ERICKSON
Yakutat, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AMY GILSON
Seldovia, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
TINA MARTIN
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
LORETTA PITTMAN
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AARON STCLAIR
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KAY KLIMCZAK
Angoon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GREG WEAVER
Matsu, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the Alaska
Marine Highway System.
ROBERT HUTTON
Hoonah, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ALBERTA SALEEN
Angoon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JAMES HOLCOMB
Yakutat, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
SHERYL KELLY
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
GILBERT FRED
Angoon, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PETER ANDERSON
Chignik, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
KIMBERLY NATHAN
Metlakatla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JAMES FOSTER
Haines, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
JOCELYN MILES
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
PATRICK PHILLIPS
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
DARREN MULLER
Ouzinkie, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
MARY KATASSE
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
AMANDA DAVIS
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the Alaska Marine
Highway System.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:30:09 PM
CO-CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Transportation Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:30 p.m. Representatives
Talerico, Drummond, Story, and Stutes were present at the call
to order. Representatives Claman and Wool arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
^ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM
1:31:24 PM
CO-CHAIR STUTES announced that the only order of business would
be hearing public testimony regarding the Alaska Marine Highway
System.
1:31:26 PM
ERNIE WEISE, Natural Resources Director, Aleutians East Borough,
relayed that he has lived in King Cove for over 25 years and
understands the value of the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)
to the survival of coastal communities. He spoke specifically
to the significance of the Tustumena to Southwest Alaska. He
stated that about $22 million is set aside in the Tustumena
replacement fund and could be used to leverage federal funds for
a new vessel, rather than be re-appropriated. Mr. Weise said,
"the ferry is our road ... it's our lifeline." He relayed that
closure would impact schools and school activities. He said,
We support transitioning to a public/private venture that could
make the ferry system sustainable" as well as the reform
initiative proposed by Southeast Conference. He stated that the
borough does not support closing the highway while further
studying the issue. In closing, he remarked that the Tustumena
is one of the few ways that the average person can view and
enjoy the Alaska peninsula and the Aleutian islands.
1:33:45 PM
KATIE COTZ implored the committee members to consider the
difficulty of transporting vehicles throughout Southeast Alaska.
She emphasized the need for ferries to be accessible by
everyone. She expressed her support for funding AMHS.
1:35:07 PM
DENISE MAY relayed that AMHS is one of the only means of
transporting groceries and other goods from Kodiak. She stated
that she would prefer AMHS service over the receipt of a
Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). She noted that a large dividend
would not adequately compensate for the increased expense of
groceries and services. She expressed her support for funding
AMHS.
1:36:36 PM
MICHEAL HOLDEN relayed that AMHS is a "valuable asset" to the
Port Lions community, as it transports the food supply, supports
businesses, and supports the community's transportation of
recyclables. He added that the ferry provides a means of
transportation for community members that lack access to skiffs
or elderly community members that would be unable to travel on a
skiff.
1:37:30 PM
LESTER LUKIN, Native Village of Port Lions, spoke to the ways in
which AMHS "silently" connects Alaska's rural coastal
communities. He stated that the ferry service to Port Lions
provides a reliable and affordable option for ensuring food
security, as Port Lions does not have a grocery store; he noted
that freight costs for a standard grocery order can cost more
than a charter on the local airline. The ferry transports
critical infrastructure supplies; ensures access to healthcare,
as weather often limits air and small boat travel; and provides
transportation for students to attend school-related sports
events. Mr. Lukin noted the convenience of bringing one's own
vehicle to transport groceries purchased in Kodiak. He stated
that "many, if not all" of the coastal communities served by
AMHS already experience poor economic conditions. He compared
the role of AMHS to that of a bus service in urban areas, which
is designed to meet the needs of residents who cannot afford
personal vehicles.
1:39:54 PM
JAMES MCCURDY relayed that he is a lifelong Alaskan. He stated
that keeping AMHS in its full form is critical to the State of
Alaska. He relayed that the state is "doing [itself] a major
disservice for even contemplating" the elimination of year-round
ferry service. He relayed that AMHS is "critical
infrastructure" for the communities that rely on ferry service.
1:41:32 PM
MARIAN ALLEN stated that AMHS is Southeast Alaska's highway,
which plays a similar role to the highways in and out of
Anchorage. She relayed that a 2014 study conducted by the
McDowell Group found that AMHS was subsidized for $117 million
and brought in $273 million in revenue. She discouraged the
perspective that AMHS ought to be solely by fares; she stated
that there is not a single ferry system in the world that is
self-supported. She suggested that AMHS become an income tax
supported corporation. She related her preference for travel by
ferry and the potential for AMHS to play a bigger role in
Alaska's tourism economy. Ms. Allen closed by saying that the
ferry system is Southeast Alaska's highway and suggested
shifting AMHS into an independent, but supported, corporate
structure.
1:43:41 PM
HARVEY BRANDT stated that he has grandchildren presently in
school who intend to use the ferry for transportation. He
relayed that his first memory of using the AMHS was in 1966. He
relayed his confusion at the argument that reduced ridership is
a cause for reduced scheduling and stated that the inverse
relationship would be more accurate. He stated that he finds
the possible closure of ferries from October through May
"bizarre." He said that shutting ferry service down would be a
"disaster for Southeast Alaska and other coastal economies." He
stated that the governor's proposed budget could, in effect,
drive the state back into a recession. He suggested considering
other models of funding AMHS.
1:45:47 PM
MARY MEHLBERG expressed her agreement with the previous
testifiers. She opined that it is "outrageous" to cut funding
of AMHS further, as funding has already been reduced
significantly. She noted that Valdez has seen road closures due
to floods and avalanches, which left the ferry as the only
possible mode of transportation. She implored the committee to
remember the needs of coastal Alaska.
1:46:36 PM
NEIL KELLY relayed that he is a 40 year resident of Valdez and
owns a business in the tourism industry. He stated that
Alaskans need to pay for services through taxes, just as state
and federal taxes pay for roads. He said, "Ferries and roads
need to be paid for as a legitimate government service."
1:47:49 PM
DAVID BERG, Viking Travel and Alaska Ferry Vacations, spoke in
support of long-term funding for AMHS and moving it into a
public/private corporation modeled after the Alaska Railroad.
He relayed the value of AMHS to the tourism industry and noted
that many Alaskans also use AMHS. He stated that uncertainty in
the budgeting process and the late release of the summer
schedule causes visitors to choose other transportation options,
which impacts businesses. He stated that a secure budget would
allow AMHS to publish and operate a schedule through the end of
the summer. He suggested restructuring AMHS operation into a
corporation like Alaska Railroad, which Southeast Conference has
also recommended in order to "isolate AMHS from political wars
and turf battles" and stabilize its finances. He encouraged the
legislature to support long-term funding and move towards a
public/private partnership.
1:49:51 PM
JULIE HURSEY relayed that she and her husband have a charter
boat business that runs from early May to late September, which
depends on travelers from the ferry. She noted that other
businesses in Petersburg depend on the ferry system year-round
for freight and transportation and that it's an "economic
driver" for Petersburg. She stated that AMHS serves as the
community's highway, which are expensive to maintain but are
"essential infrastructure" for a healthy economy. She urged the
committee's support of AMHS and asked that they not use cuts to
balance the budget. She stated that she would prefer a reduced
PFD and a small income tax to the loss of AMHS.
1:50:57 PM
ALAN LANNING, Cordova City Manager, stated that each reduction
or elimination in ferry service negatively affects citizens
ability to travel, the ability to transfer goods and services,
schools and education, tourism and the development of a self-
sustainable economy, and Cordova's economy. He relayed that
Cordova supports a consistent and reliable ferry system.
1:52:03 PM
JEFF GUARD stated that he is a year-round resident of Cordova,
has lived in Alaska for 36 years, a commercial fisherman, and is
a member of the Cordova City Council. He asserted his support
for a fully funded ferry system and shared that a recent survey
of Cordova residents showed that protection and improvement of
AMHS to be a top priority. He said, "The draconian budget cuts
as proposed in the governor's budget will do nothing but destroy
economies and communities served by the marine highway system."
He relayed that there is a 68.3 percent cut to AMHS in this
year's proposed budget, while the central region's highway
system budget had a zero percent cut, the northern region has
had a 0.6 percent cut, and the south coast region has a 1.9
percent cut. He suggested that AMHS users are being asked to
carry the whole burden of the marine highway costs while other
highway users are not.
1:53:45 PM
MIKE SIROFCHUCK stated that "the ferry is our road" and that the
government ought to pay for AMHS as a basic service. He relayed
that the ferry is used for the transportation of vehicles, by
small businesses that pickup supplies on the mainland, by school
sports teams, and by pet owners. He related that other
countries have extensive and well used ferry systems, and that
Alaska should be no different. He emphasized the role of AMHS
in Alaska's tourism industry and economy.
1:55:05 PM
AIMEE WILLIAMS, Executive Director, Discover Kodiak, emphasized
the role of AMHS in bringing tourists to Kodiak, which is "an
extremely valuable diversification tool when it comes to
creating alternative revenue streams for Kodiak Island." She
stated that Alaskans also travel to Kodiak for weekend visits.
She relayed that, as a United States Coast Guard (USCG) family,
she and her family moved to Kodiak on a ferry, as did 139 out of
140 other USCG families. She shared that, without the ferry
system, these families would not have travelled through mainland
Alaska, where they purchased goods unavailable on Kodiak.
1:56:25 PM
JOYCE FRANK stated that she was representing the needs of the
Angoon community. She mentioned that her son, sitting beside
her, is special needs and that she was also speaking on behalf
of those that are handicapped who use AMHS to access healthcare.
She relayed that Angoon is a small village that isn't connected
to the road system; community members often travel to Juneau for
community functions or celebrations. She shared that she and
her husband rely on the ferry for access to healthcare, as do
elders who are often unable to use small sea planes. She asked
that the committee hear her voice and the voices of other small
communities in southeast that are not connected by roads.
1:58:02 PM
RON SOMERVILLE noted that he is a lifelong Alaskan resident and
grew up in Craig. He expressed his support for the construction
of a road as a means to increase access to the ferry system. He
stated that the ferry is a crucial means of transportation.
1:59:14 PM
GENEVIEVE KNUDSON relayed her concern about AMHS cuts. [Due to
technical difficulties, portions of this audio are indiscernible
throughout.]
2:00:07 PM
DENNIS WATSON, General Manager, Inter Island Ferry Authority,
stated that he served for 29 years as an elected official for
the City of Craig, is the president of Southeast Conference, and
has served as the chairman for the AMHS Reform Committee. He
urged the committee to take all possible measures to keep AMHS
fully functional. He stated that the governor's proposed budget
cuts and the hiring of a consultant is a direct effort to
curtail ferry service permanently. He relayed that AMHS
provides northern access to other southeast communities,
mainland Alaska, and acts as a southern access point. He
requested that the committee preserve AMHS.
2:01:39 PM
ERIC GUCKER stated that he became employed by AMHS 32 years ago
and that he is currently a chief purser, but is also speaking as
an end user and a stakeholder. He expressed his strong
opposition to the governor's proposed 75 percent cut to AMHS.
He stated that ferries are not an optional mode of
transportation for tourists but are a "critical lifeline" for
residents and has a statewide economic impact. He stated that
AMHS transports local and visiting families, international
travelers, people of all ethnicities for cultural events,
patients traveling to access healthcare, students traveling to
and from music and sporting events, military families changing
duty stations, construction equipment and building materials,
refrigerated cargo containers, and food. He stated that a more
equitable solution would be reducing all sectors of state
government equally.
2:02:55 PM
MARY LYNNE DAHL relayed that she has lived in Ketchikan for over
20 years and that she will be speaking as a citizen and as a
certified financial planner professional (CFP). She noted that,
as a CFP with over 35 years of experience, she builds budgets
and financial plans and solves financial problems. She shared
that she reviewed the governor's budget and consider it a
disaster" and that, in her professional opinion, the budget is
"simplistic and will not work." She emphasized that, as a
citizen, "any PFD amount" is not worth the reduction in spending
on AMHS or education. She stated that budget cuts "as draconian
as these" are cruel and misguided. She emphasized the vital
role of AMHS in the routine business and daily welfare of
thousands of Alaskans and stated that elimination would
ultimately lead people to leave the state. She conveyed her
strong objection to the elimination or disablement of AMHS prior
to establishment of viable and functioning alternative.
2:04:38 PM
GENEVIEVE STILL relayed that her family lives in Kodiak and that
she grew up in Perryville. She shared that she uses the ferry
system for transporting her vehicle to do subsistence fishing
because it is less expensive than other modes of travel.
2:05:15 PM
BARRETT FLETCHER stated that he would be reading a prepared
statement on behalf of his daughter, who works remotely and
seasonally out of Cordova and Kodiak. He continued, as follows:
As a lifelong Alaskan I have always enjoyed taking the
ferries of AMHS. In recent years I have come to rely
heavily on the marine highway to be an affordable way
for me to get from my seasonal jobs in Cordova and
Kodiak. Walking onto the ferry, I know I'm going to
get where I'm going. Walking onto the ferry, I can
afford to take all of the supplies and equipment I
need for months of remote work. Walking onto the
ferry, I know I'm going to enjoy my journey far more
than airport time and multiple flights I would
otherwise have to endure. And I'm one of the lucky
ones, living on the hard road system and taking the
ferry simply because it makes my life easier. What
happens to all of those people that suddenly can't
shop at Costco and bring their groceries home anymore?
What happens to all those people that need to bring a
new or old car from Anchorage to their isolated
community?
MR. FLETCHER added that, if any part of the highway system were
to be privatized, it would be much simpler to privatize the
Glenn Highway than the entirety of AMHS' infrastructure.
2:07:17 PM
LADONNA BOTSFORD shared that she was born and raised in
Wrangell, has been riding AMHS for her entire life, and is
currently an AMHS employee. She remarked that she finds it
deplorable that a governor could hold such a position and think
that it is acceptable to slash such a primary form of
transportation, which connects coastal communities to the rest
of the state and the country, without considering the impact it
may have upon the communities. She emphasized the extent of the
detrimental cuts upon Southeast Alaska's communities, and noted
that students would be unable to participate in sports and music
events. She relayed her hope that a solution could be found to
preserve AMHS, such as privatization or another restructuring.
2:08:36 PM
ROB FIX, Executive Director, Port of Bellingham, stated that the
Port of Bellingham is the southern terminus of AMHS and has been
so for the last 30 years. He stated that AMHS is Alaska's
connection to the lower 48 and the national road system. He
shared that Bellingham's northern run is always full in the
summer and carries reasonable passenger loads in the winter,
fall, and spring; he furthered that this run generates the
greatest farebox revenue for AMHS. He recognized the State of
Alaska's budget pressures and the subsidies required to sustain
the marine highway connection to Bellingham and urged the
legislature to maintain year-round service to Bellingham.
2:09:39 PM
WALT WELLER, Mayor, City of Pelican, relayed concern on behalf
of Pelican's residents and businesses that the already reduced
ferry service might be eliminated. He stated that the
guaranteed freight service provided by AMHS is vital to the
infrastructure repairs that the City of Pelican undertook as
part of a revival. He stated that the ferry is Pelican's
"economic highway" and necessary for rebuilding the community
and businesses, which allows them to contribute to Alaska's
economy and reputation as a seafood supplier. He concluded that
the City of Pelican supports a continuation of the existing
ferry service for all of Southeast Alaska.
2:10:45 PM
FRANK KELTY, Mayor, City of Unalaska, expressed his shock and
dismay at the proposed budget cuts to AMHS. He stated that, in
Southwest Alaska, the marine highway system is the road system.
He asserted that communities reliant on AMHS shouldn't be
treated differently than communities on the road system. He
stated, in closing, that the state ought to reevaluate the PFD
program and consider new sources of revenue.
2:12:27 PM
JILL JACOBS stated that she and her family have used AMHS for
the last 45 years and exclusively for the last 15 years. She
mentioned the loss of the freight contract several years ago and
the monopoly held by barge companies. She remarked that the
state dollars allocated to the study of roads and a "bridge to
nowhere could have gone to AMHS.
2:14:11 PM
DENNIS ZADRA relayed that he was calling in while aboard the
Aurora, in transit from Whittier to Chenega. He stated that he
owns a guiding business and purchases supplies in Anchorage. He
shared that he would "gladly give up" his entire PFD to sustain
AMHS. He indicated that the proposed cuts would isolate rural
Alaska and communities that lack access to the road system.
2:15:04 PM
DAVID THOMAS, Business Owner, Sentinel Coffee LLC, shared that
he has used the ferry for the last four years for the operation
of his business, but that the schedule has become increasingly
erratic and is no longer usable. He relayed that with continual
cuts AMHS would naturally "flounder" and people that would have
used the ferry will choose not to. He stated that the economy
of Gustavus would suffer because of the proposed cuts to AMHS.
He shared his support for AMHS funding.
2:16:23 PM
WAYNE CARNES stated that infrastructure is an essential
responsibility of government. He relayed a situation in which
Fairbanks Steese, Parks, and Richardson Highway are closed and
Anchorages Glenn and Seward Highways are closed. He posited
that the highways open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for one
hour. He stated that this represents the access the coastal
communities have for ferry service and that shutting AMHS down
would be the equivalent of shutting down all of the previously
referenced highways. He shared that he's "more than willing" to
give up his PFD and pay an income tax to fund essential
government services, such as AMHS.
2:17:35 PM
ROBB ARNOLD shared that he is an employee of AMHS but is
speaking as an Alaskan. He questioned the cost of the reform
project, privatization plans, and the hiring of a marine
consultant. He inquired as to whether or not there has been a
study to examine the cost savings of a new management system
that would collaborate with labor to fix the system presently
in place. He emphasized that labor is willing to help and wants
to find efficiencies in the system.
2:18:28 PM
TOM PANAMAROFF, President, Koniag, Incorporated, relayed that
the Kodiak archipelago includes Kodiak and six surrounding
villages, three of which receive service from AMHS. He stated
that Koniag, Inc. supports the continued operation of AMHS and
opposes the proposal to shut the system down on October 1, 2019.
He relayed that Koniag, Inc. also opposes the proposal to re-
appropriate the Tustumena replacement funds, as the ship is in
dire need of replacement. He also urged the committee to ensure
that AMHS continue to take reservations for sailings after
October 1, 2019 due to the concern that reduced ridership in the
fall could support arguments of defunding the system in the
future.
2:19:34 PM
GREG WAKEFIELD relayed that he operates his business in
Anchorage but has offices in four coastal communities,
Fairbanks, and Palmer, giving him a statewide perspective. He
shared that, without the services provided by AMHS, companies
such as his would not be able to serve southeastern communities
or Kodiak. He relayed that he previously served as a member of
the "reform committee," which presented two studies to the
legislature and resulted in the introduction of legislation. He
shared his dismay that there are additional studies being done
while adequate information has already been presented.
2:21:30 PM
GERRY HOPE relayed the importance of AMHS to coastal
communities. [Due to technical difficulties, portions of this
audio are indiscernible throughout.]
2:22:04 PM
VICKI NOVAK relayed that she lives on an island near Kodiak
island and AMHS provides one of the few methods of
transportation for goods and vehicles. She stated that it is a
vital highway to the area.
2:23:03 PM
SLASH SELIGMAN stated that she is speaking for herself and is an
AMHS employee. She referenced a study by the McDowell Group,
which found that 1700 jobs would be directly or indirectly
affected by the proposed cuts as well as 500 venders and 175
Alaskan communities. She requested that, if another study is
necessitated, the committee consider feedback from crewmembers
and the ships engineers.
2:24:24 PM
CORY THOLE relayed that he has been a resident of Skagway for 28
years and that regularly scheduled ferry service is directly
related to his family's quality of life. He referred to AMHS as
a safe and reliable mode of transportation to travel within
Southeast Alaska and out-of-state. He relayed that, for his
family of four, it is cost prohibitive to fly round trip from
Skagway to Juneau. He stated that the increased cost of flying
round trip twice would equal the proposed increase in the PFD.
[Due to technical difficulties, portions of this audio are
indiscernible throughout.]
2:25:37 PM
MARY WEGNER, Ed.D., noted that she is the Superintendent of the
Sitka School District. She stated that AMHS plays a vital role
in supporting public education in Southeast Alaska. She relayed
that, in the week prior, the Region V basketball tournament took
place in Sitka from Tuesday to Saturday with over 500 students
and 100 chaperones. She shared that 400 of the 600 visitors
chose to travel to Sitka by ferry. She stated that AMHS is the
preferred method of travel for student activities and that
students would travel by ferry every time if the schedule
accommodated. As this is not currently the case, students must
fundraise enough money to take Alaska Airlines to attend games
and events. She stated that in Fiscal Year 18 (FY 18) Sitka
High School paid $221,000 to Alaska Airlines. She stated that
this is an example of how adjusting the schedule could increase
revenue for AMHS, which provides a relatively low-cost travel
option. She requested that AMHS remain viable for coastal
communities.
2:26:58 PM
FRANK JIMMY shared that his father, Lee Frank Jimmy, worked for
AMHS in the 70s and 80s. He stated that it is vital that AMHS
continue to operate. He noted the role that the ferry plays for
subsistence families traveling from Juneau to Haines. He
relayed his dismay that AMHS was "put on the chopping block" as
it is the main highway for travel. He echoed the sentiment of a
previous testifier on the importance of the ferry to
accommodating travel for school sports.
2:28:13 PM
CAROL TREIM relayed that she was born and raised in Petersburg
and used the ferry throughout her upbringing. She stated her
support for AMHS and requested that the committee and the
legislature be thoughtful and deliberate when speaking about the
program. She stated that the governor's administration
attempted to justify the proposed cuts by comparing them to the
costs of industrial roads, which, she furthered, is not a
reasonable comparison as the affected communities reside on
islands. She stated that, besides being a poor comparison, this
argument is dangerous, as it pits regions against one another
and "foments a divide between Alaskans." She urged the
committee and the legislature to consider this when discussing
AMHS.
2:29:30 PM
MARILYN MORREY stated that she was speaking on behalf of a
friend from the Yukon. She stated that the proposed reduction
in scheduled service in the winter would impact the ability for
students to participate in sports and for community members to
attend cultural events.
2:29:53 PM
MICHAEL TRUEX noted the absurdity of the elimination of the
ferry system and the simultaneous funding of road construction.
He stated that building a functional network of roads and inter-
island ferries would be expensive and require at least 20 years
to complete. He said that loss of the ferry would limit travel
throughout the region, the ability to transport vehicles, and
the ability to import foods and other goods. He implored the
committee to preserve crucial public infrastructure when a
replacement system is decades away and when doing so would only
result in the region's decline.
2:30:38 PM
GAYLE EASTWOOD stated that AMHS is vital to Southeast Alaska for
students participation in school sports, shipping seafood,
shipping freight, for moving UCSG members, and for the tourism
industry. She stated that no other highway is expected to make
a profit; asphalt roads require ongoing maintenance, and ferries
should not be expected to make profit to cover maintenance
costs. Ms. Eastwood suggested that AMHS be removed from the
Department of Transportation (DOT) or that it be privatized.
She stated that DOT treats AMHS as "a poor relation. She
stated that ridership would increase as a product of a more
robust schedule.
2:31:55 PM
ANDREW SMALLWOOD stated that he is a commercial fisherman and a
40 year resident of Cordova. He relayed that, during the
campaign, the governor proposed to "cut the fat" out of the
state budget, which is not an unreasonable message for a
"conservative republican candidate representing Interior
Alaska." Mr. Smallwood stated that the proposed budget is
extreme and radical in the suggestion that AMHS will end after
57 years of operation, which would cut off coastal Alaskan
communities from the road system. He stated that there were
ways to withdraw ferry services that would have respected the
needs of coastal communities and give greater time and funding
to search for alternatives. He stated that Governor Dunleavy
could have allowed discussion of the propriety of a state
government cutting off road access to 70,000 people or the
economic consequences of suspending AMHS without any advance
planning. He stated that Governor Dunleavy made wild campaign
promises to a particular part of his constituency and then wrote
them into a budget that addresses nothing but a crisis of his
own making" before passing the matter to the legislature. In
closing, he remarked on the need for an income tax.
2:34:16 PM
SYLVIA LANGE, Business Owner, shared that she is a business
owner in coastal Alaska and that she and her husband are fully
invested as lifetime residents. She relayed that they spend
hundreds of thousands of dollars in Anchorage and transport
supplies to Cordova with their truck. She stated that she and
her husband own the Reluctant Fisherman Inn in Cordova and
cancelled their expansion plans when the Chenega was pulled from
service as the expansion didn't "pencil out" without AMHS'
connection to the road system. She stated that the community
needs the roads through which the goods and services arrive,
without AMHS' consistency and reliability those purchases will
be done elsewhere. She asserted that the budget is in the
legislature's hands and that funding AMHS is not a subsidy but
an investment.
2:36:01 PM
KARL BECKER asserted the need for a reliable ferry service; the
community has been developing a tourism industry and the ferry
has been an important element of that growth. In winter,
community members rely on the ferry for travel to Anchorage for
medical services, shopping, meetings, dining, entertainment, and
visiting family and friends. He stated the pertinent concern
should be increasing ridership and improving service. He stated
that the land highway system does not directly generate revenue
and AMHS should not be held to a different standard.
2:37:06 PM
SARAH PHILLIPS, Community Relations Director, Chamber of
Commerce, relayed that the Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual
Kodiak Crab Festival, which is the second largest funding source
for the chamber; the festival is in its 61st year and relies
upon AMHS to transport festival rides. She related that without
the rides, the chamber can expect to lose between $8,000 and
$9,000 in ride proceeds. In addition, 25 percent of venders
come from off island, such as Anchorage, Wasilla, Palmer, and
Eagle River, and travel to Kodiak by ferry; their absence would
lead to an additional loss of proceeds between $9,000 and
$10,000. She stated that the loss of $20,000 would "kill" the
event and cripple the educational opportunities currently
offered.
2:38:21 PM
FRANK SCHIRO, Executive Director, Chamber of Commerce, stated
that AMHS is a critical transportation link for coastal
communities and the gulf of Alaska. He stated that Kodiak
businesses rely on AMHS to transport goods and that the loss of
the ferry would lead to drastic price increases. He stated that
removing the ferry service would cripple Kodiaks businesses
and affect the businesses in Anchorage and elsewhere that are
venders to Kodiak businesses. He stated that AMHS is the only
road system for Kodiak businesses and individuals to transport
large items and bulk quantities, without which the cost of doing
business in Kodiak would be "insurmountable." He expressed his
support for funding AMHS at a fully functional level.
2:39:54 PM
ROY SMITH stated that he was born and raised in Southeast
Alaska. He related that he vividly remembers watching the
inaugural run of the ferry; he was in the seventh grade and part
of the Wrangell narrows was visible from the classroom. He
described the event as awe inspiring and recalled the strong
desire to be on the ferry. He related that the ferry became an
integral part of the fabric of his upbringing with elements of
daily planning revolving around the ferry schedule. He relayed
that he participated in many school functions because of the
ferry system and that it is "truly part of the lifeblood of
communities in southeast." He shared that it would be a sad day
if the ferry system becomes only a fond memory.
2:41:22 PM
DARLENE BRETKREUTZ relayed that she was born and raised in
Ketchikan. She stated that 1500 jobs would be lost upon AMHS'
closure, excluding the shipyard employees, which would devastate
the state. She emphasized the vital role that AMHS, as a
highway and connection, plays for communities and the state.
She stated that AMHS would require subsidization even with
privatization and that, like any other road, AMHS isn't designed
to make money. She suggested adding bars and gift shops as
additional sources of revenue.
2:42:36 PM
DONALD WESTLUND stated that the general funds' operating budget
in 2014 was $116 million and has since been spent down to $72
million. He expressed his support for the Tustumena replacement
fund and the establishment of a new revenue stream for the
state. He suggested that all highways in the interior become
toll roads.
2:43:45 PM
BUCK LINDEKUBEL stated that he was with the Southeast Alaska
Conservation Council. He stated that the governor imperiled the
state treasury by not conducting an analysis prior to the
recommendation of the budget. He relayed that, under federal
law, the state is responsible for using federal aid funding
consistent with agreements reached with the federal highway
system. He stated that if the state doesn't use specific
transportation assets procured with federal dollars, then the
federal government can "claw back" those dollars. Mr.
Lindekubel stated that the Office of Management & Budget (OMB)
has not evaluated the fiscal impacts of the governor's proposed
suspension of funding for AMHS on the state's treasury, and he
asked the committee to do so.
2:45:03 PM
SHAWN BIESSEL stated that he has been an extensive user of the
ferry in Southcentral and Southeast Alaska and is fully
supportive of AMHS. He stated that the governor's proposed
budget is a "betrayal to rural Alaskans." He echoed the
sentiments of previous testifiers and stated that the ferry is
the coastal highway system. He expressed his support for
continued state ownership, an income tax that includes non-
residents, a reallocation of PFD dollars, and an economic
analysis by the administration.
2:46:03 PM
LORETTO JONES emphasized the need for affordable transportation
in southeast and other coastal communities, as AMHS is the only
highway. She suggested setting up toll booths in northern
Alaska. She suggested listening to the requests of the
testifiers and the ferry's pursers, engineers, and captains.
She relayed that people use the ferry for to access healthcare
and to relocate vehicles.
2:47:04 PM
GAVIN HUDSON noted his affiliation with the Metlakatla Indian
Community, Annette Islands Reserve. He stated that Metlakatla
strongly supports AMHS and objects to the governor's proposed
budget cuts. He stated that AMHS is "not simply a budget line
item to be cut.Rather, it is a highway and Metlakatla's
lifeline to the healthcare facilities in Ketchikan, the
Ketchikan International Airport, Division of Motor Vehicles
(DMV), and the state court system. He stated that, by any
medical, educational, or economic measure, the impacts of losing
AMHS service would be devastating. He asked the committee to
reconsider the proposed cuts as the ferry system should be
expanded and enhanced, rather than eliminated.
2:48:20 PM
NICKI SHELTON urged the committee to maintain full funding of
AMHS. She relayed her agreement with previous testifiers and
her support of an income tax to bolster revenue. She stated
that AMHS plays an important role in transporting loved ones'
coffins from the Juneau mortuary to Hoonah. She stated that the
date of a funeral service is often subject to the ferry
schedule.
2:49:36 PM
RENN NELSON stated that he is a longtime Alaskan resident and
supports AMHS. He stated that AMHS ought to be funded by taxes,
as every Alaskan needs a highway. He emphasized the need for
infrastructure that supports the state and the citizens within.
2:51:05 PM
DAN BAXTER related that his grandfather was an AMHS employee in
the 60s and 70s on the Taku and that he recently began working
for AMHS. He remarked that he was speaking on behalf of the
needs of small communities in southeast, as he has lived in
Pelican, Sitka, Haines, Elfin Cove, and Juneau. He emphasized
the need for AMHS service.
2:52:26 PM
ESTE FIELDING relayed her affiliation with Dahl Memorial Clinic
(DMC) in Skagway. She stated her support of full funding for
AMHS. She commented that AMHS is used not only for access to
groceries, supplies, and trips to see relatives, but also for
children to participate in extracurricular activities. She
stated that DMC uses the ferry to transport patients to
hospitals with a higher level of care and transports physicians
and dentists to Skagway. She remarked that AMHS is Skagway's
highway and urged the committee to fund AMHS.
2:53:16 PM
JANA RING stated that previous testifiers have spoken to her
concerns. She imparted that, upon moving to Ketchikan 20 years
ago with six children, her family relied solely upon AMHS to
travel. Ms. Ring relayed that she currently works for AMHS and
enjoys her job and the opportunities it has provided.
2:54:27 PM
LIBBY STORTZ stated that she is a longtime resident of Alaska
and Sitka. She stated that ferries are an essential part of
coastal Alaska, as cars are in the interior. She hypothesized
about the difficulty of traveling from Anchorage to Wasilla
without flying. She hypothesized as to the consequence of
defunding DOTs highway maintenance and clearings of snow and
slides. She said that ferries are essential and asserted that
they generally do not generate profit. She stated that problems
have been exacerbated by budget cuts, which destabilize
schedules and costs. She relayed her support for Southeast
Conference's plan to stabilize finances, which precludes the
need for additional studies. She emphasized her support for an
income tax that would include non-residents.
2:55:27 PM
ANN GRISWOLD relayed that she is an AMHS employee and a resident
of Southeast Alaska. She stated that AMHS is a highway for
coastal communities and holds equal importance as a highway in
Interior Alaska. She emphasized AMHS importance to
transporting people to healthcare, students for sports related
travel, groceries, building supplies, heavy machinery, and
supplies for infrastructure repairs. She related the importance
of AMHS to the tourism industry, which is a critical revenue
stream for coastal communities. She concluded by stating, "We
need the marine highway in order to have prosperous communities
in coastal Alaska."
2:56:46 PM
KATHY NIELSON shared that she is a business owner of 28 years.
She sought to emphasize that AMHS plays a critical role in
commerce. She asserted the need for increased transportation
and funding to DOT for roads. She encouraged the committee to
consider additional revenue sources.
2:57:46 PM
JANIS JOHNSON stated that she is a 38-year resident of Valdez.
She emphasized the importance of AMHS within the state's systems
of transportation and as equal to asphalt roads. She stated
that the proposed budget cuts disenfranchise rural Alaska, which
would have implications for the entire state. Ms. Johnson
stated that ferries are essential for transporting basic goods
and supporting commerce, healthcare, and schools. She opined
that Alaskans ought to contribute to the support of public
infrastructure through new revenue streams, such as an income
tax and reductions in the PFD allocation.
2:58:56 PM
JACKIE TYSON stated that AMHS is equally as critical as the
highways that connect communities in northern Alaska. She
stated that the highway also connects coastal communities to the
Alcan Highway, which accommodates travel out-of-state in a
vehicle and accommodates transportation of freight and goods to
northern Alaska. She inquired as to how much those residents
pay to drive on the northern highways and roads, while coastal
residents pay to travel on the marine highway. She stated that
doing so is expensive and has become unreliable and
inconvenient, which decreases ridership. She recollected that
ferries used to be dependable, safe, relaxing, and sociable.
She said, in closing, that AMHS is coastal communities'
connection to the outside world and that, without it,
communities would be completely dependent on Alaska Marine Lines
and Alaska Airlines.
3:00:14 PM
KATHI REIMER relayed her agreement with the previous testifiers.
She added that AMHS is the only means through which the entire
state can connect to the country without passing through a
foreign country. She shared her belief that funding AMHS is a
state safety issue. She stated that a prior administration
supported the construction of two new ferries, which currently
sit in Ketchikan; it would be erroneous to eliminate these
ferries because the current governor "doesn't care about the
importance of reliable ground transportation for all of Alaska."
She encouraged the committee to work diligently to preserve
AMHS.
3:01:19 PM
NORM CARSON stated that hes representing the City of Pelican as
President of the Pelican Chamber of Commerce. He stated that
the ferry service is an economic driver. He relayed that a new
seafood processing plant shipped out 100,000 pounds of value-
added product last year, employed 24 people, and recently signed
a 25 year-long contract. He noted that the business had
anticipated expansion but would be in jeopardy without ferry
service.
3:02:30 PM
JANET KUSSART stated that she is a 50-year resident of Juneau.
She said, "It's not every year that I have to decide between the
ferry system and the PFD,and indicted her preference for AMHS
to receive full funding rather than the dispersal of the PFD.
She requested that the administration raise revenues and
suggested the institution of an income tax. She stated that she
does not want AMHS privatized, as the state can adequately
manage the ferry system and privatization may increase costs.
She stated that she needs to be able to travel with her car out
of the state, which would not be possible without a ferry
system. She posited closing the Alcan highway to gauge
reception.
3:03:51 PM
RICH LYON related an anecdote of when he, his wife, and 300 high
schoolers attending a musical festival were awaiting the arrival
of the Columbia. He relayed his hope that the proposed budget
cuts would not pass.
3:05:07 PM
RORIE WATT noted that he is the city manager for the City and
Borough of Juneau. He emphasized the importance of AMHS to the
health of cultures, economies, and identity of Alaska. He
requested that the committee support providing a base level of
funding for AMHS and that the committee adopt a deliberative
process for considering change.
3:05:43 PM
BRIDGET SMITH relayed that she has lived in Alaska for 51 years,
throughout which she has travelled on the ferry system almost
every year and has visited almost every port. She remarked upon
the lack of analysis and statistics used by the governor's
administration to rationalize the proposed cuts. Ms. Smith
asserted that AMHS is essential, much like the highway between
Anchorage and Fairbanks, and should not be expected to generate
income. She stated that in 1968 she paid an annual school tax
and a modest state income tax. She asserted that residents have
an obligation to pay for services that support the wellbeing of
Alaska.
3:07:08 PM
STACY OLIVER stated that she is representing herself, her two
daughters, and her husband. She imparted that her family moved
to Alaska three years ago but have been connected to the state
for over 20 years due to AMHS. She shared that most of her
talking points have already been voiced. She expressed her
belief that AMHS is a vital service to the state. She relayed
that she has many close friends who are AMHS employees, some
which are very concerned about their livelihoods. She requested
that the committee consider the safety issues that AMHS
addresses in assisting mariners.
3:08:36 PM
CRAIG SMITH stated that he was representing Pelican, Juneau, and
all of the rural communities. He shared that, as he spoke, he
had two trucks on the ferry that were hauling materials,
roofing, and food. He emphasized Pelicans need for the marine
highway.
3:09:14 PM
SHAUN NELSHEM stated that he is a teacher and previously taught
in Gustavus, though he currently teaches in Unalaska to
communities connected to the marine highway. He relayed that
ferries are the principal mode of transportation for teachers
and their families around the state and that defunding AMHS will
harm education in Alaska. He opined that the state's allotment
of the PFD in the current fiscal climate is unsustainable and
irresponsible. He relayed that the creators of the PFD were
planning for such events and the state must treat the $60
billion currently in the fund as the account from which to fund
services. He suggested a three or four percent rate of
withdrawal to ensure that the principal never depletes to zero;
with this in mind withdrawing four percent of the fund would
yield $2.4 billion or a three percent withdraw rate would yield
$1.8 billion annually, forever. He stated that, though this
would not solve all of the state's budget problems, it would be
an improvement and ensure that coastal communities can continue
to recruit exceptional educators.
3:11:08 PM
CO-CHAIR STUTES called a recess of the meeting until 5:30 p.m.
tonight.
5:30:23 PM
CO-CHAIR STUTES called the Transportation Standing Committee
back to order. Representative Wool, Drummond, Story, and Stutes
were present at the call to order. Representative Ortiz was
also present.
CO-CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony.
5:31:48 PM
PETE MICKELSON stated that he is mayor of Whitshed, near
Cordova. He stated that he has relied on AMHS since 1973. He
related that it is the singular highway connecting Cordova to
Whittier and Valdez. He stated that year-round service is vital
for the economy, educational opportunities for kids, music
camps, and meetings. He related that fishermen rely upon AMHS
to arrive in Cordova in March, April, and May, and to leave in
September and October. He suggested increasing AMHS funds by
doubling the vehicle fee between Bellingham and Ketchikan and
eliminating the ferry run between Valdez and Whittier. He
opined that AMHS should be run by a public company, as this may
reduce labor costs. He suggested the generation of additional
funds by reducing the PFD and the institution of an income tax.
5:33:16 PM
MARC CARREL stated that he opposes budget cuts to AMHS and the
shifting of AMHS to a public/private partnership. He relayed
that he is a year-round resident of Cordova and would not have
access to the road system without the ferry. He stated that the
marine highway is his road; paved highways necessitate expensive
maintenance and, yet, do not have the expectation of
profitability. He said, "Cordova needs reliable, year-round
ferry service to thrive." He asserted that AMHS should not be
expected to make a profit and that a public/private partnership,
such as the Alaska Railroad, would reduce service and increase
prices. He stated that full forward funding would allow for
future reservations and schedules.
5:34:35 PM
KRISTIN CARPENTER, Executive Director, Copper River Watershed
Project, relayed that the Copper River Watershed Project is a
nonprofit that works on sustainable economic development. She
indicated that low ridership is a product of increased cost and
inconvenient and infrequent schedules; AMHS cannot be expected
to generate revenue with reduced services and increased prices.
She stated that the highway system is subsidized through federal
funds and that applying a different standard to AMHS would put
rural Alaska at a disadvantage. She stated that the ferry
service is a large economic driver for coastal communities and
that reduced service would hurt economies.
5:36:17 PM
SCOTT ADAMS expressed his support for fully funding AMHS,
funding new ferries, and not allocating funds elsewhere. He
shared that he travelled on a ferry 41 years ago from Prince
Rupert to Haines. He stated that reducing funding for AMHS
would be "economically, a disaster." He remarked that the
elimination of AMHS would reduce coastal communities' quality of
life.
5:37:20 PM
CAMILLE FERGUSON, Sitka Tribe of Alaska and the American Indian
Alaska Native Tourism Association, expressed her organizations'
strong opposition to funding reductions for AMHS. She imparted
that AMHS provides a vital economic, cultural, and social
resource for tribes. She stated that the American Indian Alaska
Native Tourism Association supports growth in cultural tourism
and supported the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor
Experience Act; tribes that are along the ferry routes will be
forced to sacrifice economic opportunities without proper access
for economic development.
5:38:20 PM
VAUGHN HAZEL stated that AMHS is vital to all southeast
communities for commerce, foot and vehicle transportation, and
fresh food. He indicated that a land-based highway system to
connect the islands of southeast, given the state's budget, is
unrealistic. He stated that scheduling reductions raise school
operating costs, business costs, and individuals travel costs.
He advised that the ferry schedule be determined early to allow
adequate time for organizations to plan.
5:39:42 PM
ANNE POLLNOW Sea Level Consulting, LLC, stated that she owns an
archeological firm with a territory that spans from Yakutat to
Hyder. She stated that she stores necessary equipment in her
vehicle and uses the ferry to transport to work sites.
Transporting her vehicle by barge would be prohibitively
expensive and would break her business. She relayed that
privatization is an option, but a solution should not devastate
the economy or restrict access to medical resources, tourism,
and school related travel. She related that she often works on
behalf of DOT is cognizant of the disparate funding for land
highways and the marine highway. She stated that without
another management option that appreciates the marine highways
contributions, the committee ought to support a fully
functioning ferry system and consider the installation of toll
booths on highways.
5:41:19 PM
SARAH EPTON stated that she is representing herself and her
husband, Shawn, who is currently posted on the Aurora. She
stated that it is "criminally shortsighted" to defund AMHS,
which would create a devastating economic ripple effect. She
relayed that the ferry has had a series of cuts in recent years
and is no longer a usable resource for many. She opined that
Alaskans ought to "agree to invest" in the ferry system, which
would, in effect, support Alaskans and "give them an
infrastructure within which to thrive an prosper."
5:42:33 PM
LAURIE CRAIG stated that she is a 50 year resident; she took her
first ferry ride in 1969 and has used the ferry throughout the
time since. She relayed that, at the time and prior to the
receipt of PFDs, residents payed a $10 school tax and an income
tax. She urged the institution of an income tax and the
disbursement of a modest PFD. She shared that in 2004 and 2005
she worked as a naturalist on the ferry, she attested to the
skill, competence, and courtesy of the ferry's crew. She shared
that the ferry is a meaningful form of transportation,
particularly for the Alaska Native community and for children.
She urged full funding of AMHS.
5:43:46 PM
PAT BRANSON, Mayor, City of Kodiak, imparted her support for
statements made by previous testifiers. She stated that this
budget indicates a dearth of thought and planning. She noted a
lack of transparency with a recent request for proposal (RFP)
and the wastefulness of making the RFP when the AMHS Reform
Initiative has already been completed. She asked for an
explanation behind the reallocation of $21 million from the
Tustumena replacement fund to terrestrial highways. She related
her chagrin at hearing comparisons between road costs to ferry
costs per mile, and that use of such comparisons is a misuse of
data and nonsensical. She urged the committee to request
transparency and have research and analysis conducted prior to
budgetary decisions.
5:45:20 PM
GEORGE SMALLWOOD related that he is a longtime resident of
Alaska, having arrived by ferry in 1972. He stated that he is a
frequent user of AMHS and supports funding it with state revenue
dollars. He stated that AMHS is a necessity for coastal
communities.
5:46:15 PM
JOEL PROBST imparted the critical role of AMHS to coastal
communities as well as the entire state. He stated that it
should remain a state entity to ensure that service is not
dictated by private interests. He stated that it is a necessity
and a lifeline for coastal communities and residents. He asked
the committee to consider the record setting precedent
established by the outpouring of support in the day's public
testimony.
5:46:51 PM
MARIE ROSE stated her opposition to the proposed budget cuts to
AMHS. She stated that she lives in Haines but owns Shoreline
Wild Salmon, which operates out of Pelican. She shared that she
uses AMHS frequently to travel between remote towns. The
functioning of her business is also accommodated by AMHS, for
the transport of supplies and shipping of fish. She said, "The
Alaska Marine Highway is what connects all of Southeast Alaska;
its existence is essential for the well-being of our communities
as well as for the strength of local businesses." She urged an
end to short sighted budget cuts and support for AMHS.
5:47:58 PM
JOSEPH RIDLEY stated that he is a councilmember of the
Metlakatla Indian Community. He related the significance of the
ferry connection between Metlakatla and Ketchikan, which is
critical for both cities' economies. The ferry system is used
for personal travel, for medical transportation, and for
students participation in extracurricular activities. He
expressed his hope that the testifiers will be heard and action
will be taken against Governor Dunleavey's proposed budget.
5:48:55 PM
SETH HOWARD shared that he was born and raised in Homer and is a
lifelong Alaskan. He lived in Anchorage and moved to Juneau in
2011 to work on AMHS. He asked why no one in any administration
is being held accountable for the "gross mismanagement" of AMHS
funds. As an example, he shared that the dock across Knik Arm,
which has never been used and for which the motor vessel (M/V)
Susitna was constructed, cost $12.6 million dollars and sold for
$1.7 million. He relayed that the two Alaska class ferries, the
Tazlina and the Hubbard, were built for $60 million apiece with
a design concept incompatible with the current dock
infrastructure. He indicated that the people of Alaska are not
receiving the best services if AMHS is being mismanaged. He
shared his full support of AMHS to serve as a public highway and
noted that AMHS generates 40 percent of its operating budget.
5:50:46 PM
JOEY TILLSON Ketchikan Chapter Vice President, Alaska State
Employees Association, stated her opposition to the proposed
budget cuts to AMHS. She stated that families rely on the means
of transportation to access supplies and medical resources. She
noted that 300 jobs would be affected in Ketchikan alone and
impact peoples livelihoods. She noted that people are moving
out of state, which indicates a poor economy. She questioned
why the oil tax credit has not been lowered, as companies are
receiving bonuses without completing contracts. She stated that
cutting funding for AMHS should require congruent cuts or tolls
for highways in Interior Alaska.
5:52:10 PM
DANIEL CHRISTENSEN shared that he has worked for AMHS for 15
years. He indicated that attempting to run AMHS like a
corporation and reducing services would be a "catastrophically
poor decision." He relayed disappointment on behalf of tourists
that their experience aboard the ferry differed from their
expectations. Mr. Christensen recommended relaxing the schedule
to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, which would allow the
ships to run at efficient speeds. He asserted that
administrators ought to stop neglecting suggestions made by
engineers. He disclosed that he has personally witnessed
repeatedly deferred maintenance. He suggested investing in a
more desirable ferry system, rather than condemning the current
system, which would cripple the state. He remarked that people
testified with grief and elegantly written statements but were
not able to adequately voice their grievances due to the one-
minute time limit.
5:53:44 PM
CATHERINE GOODWIN stated that she has worked at the Ketchikan
shipyard for seven years and AMHS represents 70 to 80 percent of
the shipyard's work. She relayed that shipyard workers
earnings contribute to the communitys economy, as do the
various specialists that routinely fly to Ketchikan to inspect
vessels. She said that AMHS is southeast's highway and that,
like any other highway, it cannot be run like a corporation.
She said cutting the budget would affect the economy and would
lead to a loss in the skilled workforce in Ketchikan.
5:54:47 PM
VICKY JOE KENNEDY shared her belief that there has been a
misappropriation of funds. She asserted that the legislature is
responsible for the proposed budget cuts. She expressed her
dismay at the possible loss of Kodiak's ferry service.
5:56:05 PM
SHANNON ADAMSON, Regional Representative, Masters, Mates, &
Pilots, relayed that in addition to representing AMHS' licensed
staff officers, she is on the Marine Transportation Advisory
Board and Southeast Conference's AMHS Reform Committee. She
relayed that she previously sailed with AMHS as a deck officer
for several years. She attested to the value of AMHS to the
employees and the communities and villages it serves. She
continued, as follows:
Ships like the LeConte, the Aurora, the Lituya are
imperative to the villages they serve. They rely on
them for access to groceries, medical care, and many
other vital supplies. Ships like the Matanuska,
Malaspina, and the Columbia bring visitors that
support our local businesses as well as moving locals
around. The Kennicott provides a direct connection
between the interior and the lower 48 as well as
servicing villages and the Tustumena provides a vital
link to the Aleutian Chain.
MS. ADAMSON relayed that the majority of AMHS employees are
residents of Alaska; employees live, work, and send their kids
to school in Alaska and rely on AMHS for their livelihood.
5:57:24 PM
NICOULOUS ADAMSON relayed that he is a 13 year AMHS employee and
currently serves as the chief maid on the M/V LeConte. He
relayed that village life is a "unique existence" that lacks
barge and aircraft service to transport supplies, food, and
medicine. He stated that many communities that do have a runway
can only handle small aircraft, which may be unusable given
winter conditions. He noted that passengers have been riding
the ferry for their entire lives, from infancy to an elders
last trip home. He recollected, "One of the most powerful
experiences of my career has been to be on board the ship as
Angoon welcomes home someone who has passed to be laid to rest.
It is truly an amazing ceremony." He noted that when the
Guardian Air flight recently crashed near Kake, both the LeConte
and the Columbia deviated from scheduled runs to participate in
the search for the missing aircraft. He shared that in the case
of another oil spill, the Kennicott is designed to act as an oil
spill response command ship. He remarked that the benefits of
AMHS reach far beyond passenger and vehicle transportation
service. He said, in closing, "Continued reliable ferry service
is a part of the coastal Alaska way of life. Cutting this vital
link out will decimate this lifestyle."
5:59:14 PM
JAIME BRICKER stated that she is a lifelong resident of
Southeast Alaska. She asserted that the elimination of the
ferry would be tantamount to imprisonment of the community
members of Southeast Alaska, where weather is often too severe
to accommodate aircraft and airplanes have limited capacity.
She relayed that AMHS increases access to healthcare and
participation in school, sports, tribal, political, community,
cultural, and art events. She shared that AMHS also plays an
important role in the transportation of groceries and building
supplies and supports off-season independent travelers, postal
service, community projects, partnerships, and small businesses.
She stated that the small communities would not survive without
the service of AMHS and that she would accept a smaller PFD.
6:00:33 PM
MARLA HOWARD, Councilmember, Kake City Council, stated that Kake
is located on an island and, without the marine highway, would
not survive. She relayed that Kake community members pay the
highest rates for fuel, electricity, and food and that small
businesses do not survive in Kake. She said that the courthouse
was recently taken and that there is "no law and order" in
Kake and indicated a sense of despair and seclusion. Ms. Howard
disclosed that her daughter's life was taken, as well as another
young woman's life. She indicated her concern that community
members would choose other methods to travel, and risk their
lives in doing so, should AMHS discontinue operation.
6:02:02 PM
LORETTA RICE requested full funding for AMHS. She related the
significance and noted that AMHS is southeast's highway. She
said that cutting funding would cripple all of Southeast Alaska
and all coastal communities.
6:02:35 PM
CHRISTIE JAMIESON shared that she is a 60 year resident of
Wrangell, a business owner, and a concerned citizen. She shared
that she supports retaining AMHS to keep Southeast Alaska's
economies thriving as AMHS is southeast's highway, much like the
road highways of other communities. She relayed that the loss
of ferry service would affect student's ability to attend school
activities and lead to a reduction in tourism, capital
development, access to food, shipping of fish, access to
medicine, and transportation of patients and pets. She noted
the importance of AMHS in the case of a local or region wide
disaster. She said, in closing, that connecting economies in
Southeast Alaska allows for economies and people to thrive.
6:03:47 PM
JENNIFER DOZIER shared that she is a disabled veteran. She
indicated that people need connection, not isolation. She
echoed a previous testifier's comment that the elimination of
ferries would be tantamount to an incarceration. She noted that
the waterways of the Alexander Archipelago have been seafaring
from the antiquity of time. She noted that communities'
commerce and way of life are dependent on the coastal waters.
She indicated that this is one of the few places we help each
other" and that now is not the time to take away a way of life.
6:04:57 PM
VICKIE BUNESS shared that she is a 60-year resident of Wrangell
and that one of her earliest memories is running to the ferry to
purchase an ice cream cone from the ship. She emphasized
Wrangell's reliance upon AMHS for commerce and as a way to move
goods, people, and services. She stated that her family uses
the ferry for medical travel, work, and vacations. She implored
the committee to retain funding for AMHS.
6:05:46 PM
MIKE LOCKABEY indicated that the proposed cuts to AMHS are a
product of inadequately addressing AMHS' problems when the state
had a $14 billion surplus. He stated that AMHS keeps
communities, commerce, and fisheries connected. He concurred
that the current deficit requires action and budget cuts but
urged the committee to keep communities connected.
6:06:43 PM
PATRICIA RELAY, Board President, Valdez Convention & Visitors
Bureau, urged the committee to support AMHS. As a travel and
tourism destination marketing organization, the members of
Valdez Convention & Visitors Bureau (VCVB) rely upon AMHS.
Valdez's tourism industry would dwindle with a diminished
transportation system. She emphasized the value of tourism as a
resource within a diversifying economy. She advised investment
into the marine highway in light of tourism's role in the
economy; more than 2.25 million visitors come each year, which
generates more than $126 million in state revenue and $88
million in municipal revenue.
6:08:36 PM
DAVID KENSINGER shared that he is a 40-year user of AMHS. He
stated that he has tried, unsuccessfully, to reform the system
for 20 years. He stated that it is important to fund AMHS and
encouraged that the committee also consider reforms, without
which budgetary concerns will continue in the future. He
referenced the reform plan presented by Southeast Conference and
urged its passage.
6:09:36 PM
LINDA SLAUGHT stated her opposition to the proposed cuts to
AMHS. She shared that the ferry brought her and her family to
Petersburg 25 years ago and accommodated road trips in the lower
48 and in Northern Alaska. The ferry also accommodated travel
for her children's braces, for her children's school related
activities, and for scouting trips. She emphasized the role
that the ferry played in her family and stated that thousands of
other families rely on the ferry as an integral part of their
life. She encouraged full funding of AMHS.
6:11:19 PM
BOB BEHRENDS thanked AMHS for providing great service. He
shared that he and his wife are 30-year residents of Cordova, as
well as small business owners. He stated that they have used
the ferry for travel for high school sports, healthcare, and
transporting supplies. He said that AMHS is "the lifeblood for
Cordova," for businesses, schools, and kids. He stated that
consistent year-round AMHS service is not a luxury but essential
for Cordova, which is off the road system. He stated that it is
critical that AMHS' service continue into the future.
6:12:32 PM
MICHELLE HAHN shared her belief that it is in the state's best
interest for AMHS to receive full funding at FY 16 levels or
higher. She stated that AMHS returns to Alaska's economy more
than two to one on the investment of every dollar spent from the
general fund," which is sustained when healthy, thriving
communities, businesses, and individuals consequently generate
more business; decreasing the investment into AMHS would be
detrimental to all entities involved. She shared that she would
prefer to pay a state income tax and receive reduced PFDs to
maintain or increase essential state services. She further
relayed that reforming AMHS may be necessary but should not be
rushed.
6:14:04 PM
CAROLYN ROSEVERY urged full funding of AMHS. She shared that
she is a florist and a 42-year resident of Cordova. She shared
that she uses the ferry to access healthcare and to attend
conferences. She stated that AMHS is the basis of their
livelihood and provides interconnectivity of communities
throughout Prince William Sound and southeast.
6:15:04 PM
PAUL JOHNSON, President and CEO, Highliner Consulting Group,
LLC, shared that he grew up in Angoon, Yakutat, and Sitka. He
stated that the budget, as presented, is cause for concern that
Alaska would not be in compliance with federal highways Title
III, equal opportunity access to transportation dollars. He
stated that nearly every community that's been represented has a
tribal government with a tribal transportation director that has
access to funds; the state could engage tribes in a meaningful
partnership to address AMHS' under funding. He indicated that
the testifiers are requesting the bare minimum and that many
residents can attest to years of diminished service.
6:16:36 PM
HEATHER MCCLAIN shared that she previously lived in Juneau for
three years and that AMHS is a vital resource for Alaska's
coastal communities. She shared that people rely on AMHS to
travel home, transport supplies, participate in high school
sports, transport elders home, access healthcare, and ship
cargo. She stated that it is not possible to fly into many of
the communities that have been represented. She asked that the
committee fund the marine highway, review the current
operations, and consider how vital of a resource ferry service
is for communities.
6:17:45 PM
TANIA HARRISON stated that she opposes the proposed cuts to the
ferry, as AMHS is the road for remote communities. It is a
vital link to other communities and privatization could make the
service prohibitively expensive or unreliable. She reasoned
that AMHS should be treated as any other state highway, which
the state is expected to fund, operate, and maintain. She
emphasized the imperativeness of AMHS and shared her support for
a state income tax and a reduced PFD to allow the state to fund
basic services.
6:18:40 PM
JEB MARROW expressed his agreement with previous testifiers. He
added that if there were a reduction in air travel, options
would be dramatically limited without ferry service. He
referenced Representative Sharon Cissna's experience with the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA); he noted that
Representative Cissna opted to travel by ferry to Juneau rather
than re-experience TSA's demeaning body search.
6:20:05 PM
PATRICIA ALEXANDER related her background as a hospital
administrator and previous director of planning for the
Department of Health and Social Services. She stated that
today's deficit is the result of many years of unbalanced state
budgets and that we cannot cut our way out of this budget
problem without consideration" of the possible impacts. She
shared that her tribe has 30,000 tribal citizens, many of which
live in Southeast Alaska. She shared her worry that they'll
receive inadequate healthcare when poor weather limits travel
options and the ferry isn't available. She posited that many
people will die, particularly fragile elders, which is
unacceptable. She stated her support for funding AMHS at the FY
18 level, the employment of Southeast Conference's analysis to
guide change, and the use of AMHS' staff suggestions. She
stated that she would support an income tax and a reduction in
the PFD.
6:21:51 PM
VALERIE BROOKS shared her adamant opposition to a reduction in
AMHS' funding. She relayed that she has lived in Southeast
Alaska for almost 40 years, during which her family has traveled
on AMHS numerous times to transport cars, receive healthcare,
and participate in high school activities. She stated that the
same level of service, dedicated employees, and travel
possibilities must exist for future generations. She urged
against privatization and suggested collaboration with
communities to create convenient schedules.
6:23:19 PM
DORINDA KEWAN, Mayor, City of Port Lions, shared that she is a
lifelong resident of Port Lions and is speaking as the current
Mayor of Port Lions and a long-time user of the Tustumena. She
stated that her initial concern upon seeing the governor's
proposed budget was the devastation it would cause for coastal
Alaska. She shared that Port Lions no longer receives freight
service from Seattle and that the airstrip only accommodates
small planes, which often cannot fly due to inclement weather.
She relayed that AMHS is a much more reliable form of travel to
access Kodiak, Homer, and the road system as well as transport
people, food, vehicles, building materials, and equipment. She
expressed her support for increasing the Tustumenas efficiency
by reducing the number of trips to ensure that the ship doesn't
travel with significant vacancies. She encouraged legislators
to treat AMHS as a highway and as a critical and essential part
of Alaska's infrastructure, no different than the Parks and
Glenn highways.
6:24:40 PM
PAT HOLMES noted the difficulty of working in Kodiak and the
Aleutian islands prior to ferry service. He shared his support
for full forward funding of AMHS, a return to an income and
school head tax, a reduced PFD, and a review of the oil tax. He
stated that AMHS was promised, planned, and implemented to
parallel highway development on the mainland and has functioned
very well until recently. He stated that the governor's
proposed budget ignores the promises, planning, and benefits
that preceded his administration. He shared his concurrence
with previous testifiers.
6:25:53 PM
JENNIFER TORSSEN, Board Member and Clerk, Ouzinkie Native
Corporation and the City of Ouzinkie, shared her strong
opposition to proposed cuts to AMHS. She stated that residents
of Ouzinkie rely upon AMHS service to travel to Kodiak and Homer
for groceries, as Ouzinkie does not have a store. Residents
must also travel by ferry to access healthcare, as the weather
is too variable for travel by air or skiff, and school aged
children rely on the ferry to participate in school activities.
She reminded the committee that AMHS is the highway for
traveling to and from Kodiak and Anchorage. She remarked that
the proposed budget cuts feels disrespectful to coastal
communities.
6:27:05 PM
ANDY KHMELLEN noted that he is a 27-year resident of Alaska. He
shared that elementary school field trips to Haines, middle
school trips for camping in Hoonah, and high school trips in
Sitka, Wrangell, Petersburg, and Ketchikan would not have been
possible without the ferry. He indicated that opportunities in
education, cultural development, and athletics would have been
dramatically different without ferry service. He shared that he
has a four-year-old son, whom he would like to have the same
opportunities while growing up in southeast. He expressed his
support for a fully funded ferry with year-round service and
indicated his willingness to receive a smaller PFD.
6:28:25 PM
DAVID BELL shared that he is a lifelong resident of Alaska and a
deckhand on AMHS. He said that some of the statistics
previously shared don't show what's seen on the boat, such as
the transportation of fishing supplies, boats, and fishermen
from Kodiak to the Aleutian Chain in the summer. He relayed
that in September and October the Tustumena is full of hunters
heading to Kodiak. In the winter, AMHS transports fish vans
from Kodiak to Homer and back. He stated that all of this would
be lost due to the proposed budget's cuts.
6:29:45 PM
ERLING WALL shared that he is an AMHS deckhand and has worked
throughout Alaska: in Southcentral Alaska on the Tustumena, on
the Aurora, in southeast on the Malaspina, Matanuska, Taku, and
LeConte. He shared that he finds it concerning that new vessels
are constructed as port specific rather than region specific.
He noted that he's observed budget reductions to AMHS while
there's the simultaneous construction of vessels that are poorly
suited for the current infrastructure. When this occurs, they
have to add crew quarters or doors to the vessels so that they
can fulfill their unintended purpose. He indicated his dismay
at the removal of the Tustumena replacement funds from the
budget. He suggested building a new fleet in light of the
current aging fleet, which brings with it costs of deferred
maintenance.
6:31:04 PM
BRIAN LEAD noted that not a single previous testifier has
suggested elimination of the ferries and that ferry service is
clearly economically, socially, and culturally important. He
indicated his confusion at the possibility of desolating the
communities that aren't on the rail belt just to subsidize some
of the largest corporations in the world." He stated that he
fully supports increased funding for AMHS.
6:31:49 PM
ANN MCPHERSON shared that she is a longtime Juneau resident and
an employee representative for the state Supervisory Unit Local
4900. She spoke in full support of AMHS. She relayed that it
is integral and necessary in Southeast Alaska and that the
impact of reduced ferry service would be devastating. She
relayed that the ferry system is southeasts only highway and is
a vital connection between communities. She urged the committee
to fund AMHS for year-round service to all communities.
6:32:44 PM
AMY SWEENEY relayed that the ferry system is a vital
transportation artery for Southeast Alaska and is of equal
importance as the land-based highways in Central Alaska. She
noted that AMHS is not self-supporting, but land-based highways
do not generate any revenue. She stated that the marine highway
is essential to the economic and social fabric of Southeast
Alaska communities. She relayed that she would relinquish her
entire PFD and pay a state income tax, as well as pay for other
state services and maintenance to Alaska's terrestrial highways,
to sustain ferry service.
6:33:38 PM
RENEE TRAFTON, Owner and Chef, Beak Restaurant, stated that AMHS
facilitates business across Southeast Alaska. She stated that
without year-round ferry service her business, and other small
businesses in Sitka, would lose access to service. She urged
the committee to fully fund AMHS. She noted that she would be
willing to forgo the PFD and pay and income tax.
6:34:15 PM
MATT TRAFTON shared that he was appalled to learn of the
governor's proposed cuts to AMHS, especially after the governor
made explicit campaign promises to not cut AMHS. Mr. Trafton
shared that, without roads, the ferry is the only affordable
means to transport people and supplies and that students, those
with medical needs, small businesses, and others rely on AMHS.
He stated that the governor's 75 percent cut would devastate the
system and that he would much prefer a state income tax or a
reduced PFD than a defunct ferry. He urged opposition to the
proposed cuts.
6:35:10 PM
MARTINA KURZER mentioned that she works for Sitkans Against
Family Violence, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence
that serves Angoon, Kake, and Sitka. She shared that,
oftentimes, individuals must urgently escape dangerous
situations; she said, "The ferry is not only a lifeline, it is
also an escape route." She stated that it would be troublesome
to see the ferry eliminated because some people are physically
unable to travel on an airplane, which can be grounded by
inclement weather. She stated that they do not want survivors
to be trapped in villages or island communities without a means
of transportation.
6:36:32 PM
ANN PHIPPS GRAHAM emphasized the need for full year-round
funding to maintain highway service afforded to other Alaskans.
She stated that, for many years, ferry users have paid a fee
while those that use a terrestrial highway have not. She
relayed that many people rely on the ferries for transportation
to school activities and healthcare. She furthered that the
ferry service is often the only method of transportation for
elder individuals who, due to medical conditions, are not able
to use an airplane. She asserted that much like the people in
Northern Alaska, those in Southeast Alaska rely on a highway
system. She questioned the notion that AMHS ought to generate a
profit.
6:38:20 PM
JESSICA WALLIN stated that she represents herself and her
husband, who is a third generation Alaskan and a second
generation AMHS employee. She requested that the committee
fully fund AMHS and retain service. She stated that the DOTs
purpose is to keep Alaska moving through infrastructure and,
according to their website, serves every Alaskan every day.
She shared her belief that the DOT will no longer be serving
every Alaskan by cutting the ferry service in Southeast Alaska.
She stated that the ferry is the vein that keeps the heart of
Southeast Alaska going. She stated that communities rely on
AMHS for school travel, shipping needs, and transportation off
the island. She relayed that her family relies on AMHS for
their livelihood - as her husband has been a deckhand for 18
years - without which they may not be able to afford to live in
Alaska. She urged the committee to maintain ferry service.
6:39:54 PM
CLAUDIA BOYD shared that she is a current employee of AMHS. She
stated that the ferry is critical for all of the communities
that it connects. She stated that it also brings in military
members and international tourists. She stated the need to re-
vamp the budget. She indicated her willingness to forgo a PFD
and pay an income tax.
6:41:15 PM
KEVIN NYE relayed that he is a junior engineer on the M/V
Kennicott. He indicated the role of AMHS in accommodating
commerce. He opined that the proposed budget cuts are intended
to save money but that, from his perspective, he sees wasteful
spending in the shore-side engineering department. He noted the
inefficiencies of fast ferries and their inability to handle the
weather.
6:42:44 PM
PATRICK WELS stated his opposition to the proposed budget cuts.
He relayed that the ferry is the reason his family lived in
Hoonah, as the ferry to Juneau ensured that they could purchase
groceries, access healthcare, and transport vehicles. He noted
that the ferry system was never meant to pay for itself and that
a 75 percent reduction is not feasible for dependent
communities. He imparted his support for use of the PFD to fund
AMHS.
6:43:45 PM
ANDREW CREMATA shared that he is a 23-year resident of Skagway.
He stated that cutting back or eliminating ferry service would
be detrimental to the health of the Skagway community. He noted
that planes into Skagway are not equipped to fly by
instrumentation and are often unable to fly due to inclement
weather. Community members must go to Juneau by ferry to access
healthcare. He stated that for those with serious health
issues, access to the ferry is a matter of life or death. He
stated that the ferry is not a luxury for Skagway, it is a
necessity for children, adults, and seniors. He urged the full
funding of AMHS.
6:45:07 PM
JERI CHESLOCK stated her opposition to the proposed budget cuts
to AMHS. She shared that she is a senior citizen and is trying
to build up her retirement. She stated that she relies on the
ferry to bring her car to Juneau and to purchase groceries. She
relayed that food is expensive in Hoonah and will become even
more costly because the grocers also depend on the ferry system.
She remarked that the proposed budget cuts will increase costs
for food and other necessities, which will lead to layoffs and
higher unemployment.
6:46:24 PM
INGRID CUMBERLIDGE shared that she is a member of the Aleutian
East Borough Assembly and speaking on behalf of herself. She
shared that any cuts to AMHS would devastate Southwest Alaska
and the Aleutians, especially as schedules have already been
significantly reduced. She stated that she does not support any
"reapportion allocation" for the Tustumena replacement fund and
that AMHS ought to be funded at the FY 16 level. She shared
that ferry service is vital to the southwest communities, as it
is the only connection for most of the villages within the
borough and is used for school activities, construction, and the
transportation of equipment. She shared her hope that the
committee consider other options for AMHS and stated her
willingness to give up her PFD.
6:48:11 PM
LILLY JAMES stated that the ferry system is the lifeline for
community members. She indicated the need for a method of
transportation that accommodates disabled individuals and noted
that people must travel to access healthcare. She relayed that
Hoonah needs the ferry to receive freight, schools need the
ferry to participate in activities, and individuals need the
ferry to attend celebrations, tournaments, and cultural events.
6:49:04 PM
JILL BOSKOFSKI stated that those in Ouzinkie use the ferry often
and that it is considered their highway. She shared that she
concurs with previous testifiers.
6:49:56 PM
GARY BOSKOFSKI shared that his family and the Ouzinkie community
use AMHS often. He relayed that there isnt a store in
Ouzinkie; community members must travel to Kodiak or Anchorage
by plane or boat, but the ferry is the main mode of
transportation. He noted that community members also rely on
the ferry for access to healthcare.
6:50:46 PM
KATHERINE PANAMARIOFF expressed her support for continued
funding for AMHS year-round service. She emphasized the
critical role of the ferry for the livelihood of remote
communities, as it provides an option for affordable freight and
connects community members to healthcare and the mainland.
6:51:30 PM
SAM STEPANOFF shared that he is a lifelong commercial fisherman.
He indicated that AMHS plays an important role in providing
access for communities on the Aleutian Chain. He noted that
charter planes can be unaffordable for elders and large
families.
6:52:30 PM
JIM STERNS noted that he doesnt personally use the ferry system
but that "we're all in this together. He indicated that
reducing funding for AMHS could set a poor precedent for
providing services to remote areas if it is not considered cost
effective. He stated that shortsighted cuts could lead to
devastation in communities and diminished economies. He stated
that government services are not intended to run as a
corporation.
6:54:00 PM
ROBIN SHERMAN stated that she supports full funding of AMHS, as
it is critical to the Sitkas local economy. She relayed that
she recently transported a vehicle to Juneau that couldnt be
repaired in Sitka. She affirmed that it would be less expensive
to pay for public services if the entire population were to live
on the mainland. She said, we dont need to solve our budget
issues by pitting Alaskans against each other. She shared her
willingness to receive a lower PFD and pay an income tax to
support AMHS.
6:55:03 PM
RANIYAH BAKER stated that she is a year-round resident of
Skagway. She requested that the committee fully fund AMHS. She
imparted the social benefits of AMHS such as greater
connectivity among southeast communities, access to healthcare,
social cohesion, travel for school activities, and the ability
for retailers to ship goods to remote communities. She stated
that the ferry also transports tourists, supports a labor force,
generates a tax revenue, and lowers the cost of living. She
stated that without the marine highway, it would be considerably
more expensive to live in rural Southeast Alaska. She
maintained that it is necessary to act on the deficit and
encouraged acting wisely. She suggested capping the PFD
allocation to fund essential services.
6:56:08 PM
SALLY DYBDAHL asked that the committee continue funding AMHS.
She relayed that inclement weather often makes air travel
impossible between southeastern communities. She relayed that
Hoonah doesnt have freight service by tugboat and barge between
October and March and that local businesses, service providers,
and governmental entities depend on the ferry. She noted that
AMHS connects people to community and cultural events. She
urged the continuation of funding for AMHS.
6:57:22 PM
DENISE FAGER stated that she is speaking on behalf of herself,
her children, and her husband. She expressed her support for
fully funding AMHS. She stated that the ferry is the primary
mode of transportation for accessing school sports. She stated
that Juneau is the hub for the southeast community, where she
and her family visit for healthcare, sports, shopping, gas, and
food. She related an anecdote of a recent visit to Juneau where
individuals likely spent over $25,000. She noted that AMHS
accommodates the generation of revenue in southeastern
communities.
6:58:44 PM
BRIAN HIMELBLOOM shared that he is a 32-year resident of Kodiak
Island. He stated that AMHS contributes to the blue economy
and will continue to do so into the future. He relayed that his
high school aged kids use the ferry to participate in sports and
that AMHS allows for schools to save money. He relayed that
hes used the ferry for transportation for family vacations and
personal travel. He urged the committee to keep AMHS
functioning.
7:00:22 PM
JOANN BARSIC relayed her familial connection to the ferry
system. She emphasized the importance of AMHS.
7:01:11 PM
DALE PIHLMAN shared that he is a lifetime resident of Southeast
Alaska. He urged full funding for AMHS. He shared his
willingness to give up his PFD and pay a tax to fund all of
Alaskas basic services. He suggested paying attention to waste
within the system caused by poor planning and management, such
as the construction of catamarans despite their operational
expense.
7:02:51 PM
CARL BRODERSEN imparted the difficulty imposed upon travelers by
poor scheduling of ferry routes. He stated that AMHS has been
reduced to survival levels of operation and is in a death
spiral of inconvenience and maintenance issues created by
inadequate funding. The proposed cuts would eliminate ferry
service and isolate communities that depend on AMHS for access
to groceries, healthcare, and basic transportation. He
emphasized the need for ferries and urged the institution of an
income tax. In closing, he said, I dont feel entitled to a
check from my government. I feel entitled to have a government
and the services it provides, like ferries.
7:03:53 PM
CHELSEA GAGNON shared that she works in healthcare. She relayed
that the mobile mammography van is currently starting its tour
through southeast, which would not be possible without AMHS.
She indicated the strong likelihood of diminished health
outcomes in the absence of ferry service.
7:04:54 PM
CATE ROSS shared that she was born and raised in Juneau and is
now raising her own children here. She relayed a personal story
of the Haines, Whitehorse, Skagway loop and experiences using
the ferry for high school sports, which would have been
prohibitively expensive without the ferry system. She relayed
that she has traveled from the lower 48 to and from Alaska five
times for school and seasonal work, as it was the only
affordable method of transporting a vehicle. She shared that
her father is a commercial fisherman who uses the ferry to
transport gear and groceries to and from Hoonah. She urged full
funding for AMHS, in perpetuity, so that future generations can
have the same quality of life, which would not be possible
without AMHS.
7:06:32 PM
DESIREE RODRIGUEZ, President, Health Care Unit 2201 of the
International Longshore and Warehouse Union, shared that she is
a healthcare worker at Bartlett Regional Hospital. She shared
that approximately 7 percent of Bartletts patients reside in
small outlying communities and use AMHS to access healthcare in
Juneau. Without the ferry, people wouldnt be able to access
medical care and would face declining health. Bartlett, and
other providers in Juneau, are the main source of healthcare for
these individuals. She indicated the need for greater fiscal
transparency and suggested auditing those that manage AMHS
money.
7:07:43 PM
ALLISON QUIGLEY shared that she is a 36-year resident of Craig
and is representing her family. She shared that her family owns
a business for exporting fresh and live seafood, which would not
be operable without AMHS. She noted that ferry service is an
important safety valve for Alaskans and businesses. She
relayed that all of southeast relies on AMHS to travel, as do
school aged children who travel for sports activities and
elders. She emphasized that AMHS is Alaskas highway and
implored committee members to realize Alaskas dependence on
ferries and that eliminating wasteful spending would be more
beneficial than cutting vital services.
7:09:01 PM
KATIE CRANEY shared that she and her husband operate a small
tour business with locations in Haines and Skagway. She relayed
that her business relies on the ferry for the safest and most
cost-effective travel for services unavailable in Haines. She
stated that, without ferry service, rural communities across the
state would suffer culturally, socially, and economically. She
urged committee members to continue funding AMHS.
7:10:26 PM
NICHELLE ROTIER stated that cutting AMHS appears to be a short-
sighted solution to a long-standing challenge. She relayed that
complete elimination of AMHS would be economically disastrous to
all coastal communities. She stated that testimonies have
revealed the importance of remaining connected. She relayed an
anecdote that illustrated the importance of AMHS given that
inclement weather can often ground planes. She related that
AMHS continuation ought not to be considered as optional, but a
necessity. She expressed her willingness to receive a smaller
PFD and suggested finding solutions rather than elimination.
7:11:40 PM
VIRGINIA LONG asked that the committee members maintain funding
for AMHS, as it is Southeast Alaskas road. She shared that
AMHS has previously been her only option to access healthcare
when aircraft was inoperable. She noted that the ferry is the
only accommodation for transporting vehicles to Juneau or moving
supplies too large for or prohibited on planes. She relayed
that the ferry is often the only method of transportation and is
the only reliable means of reaching air travel outside of
Alaska.
7:13:03 PM
MELODI ANDERSON, City of Ouzinkie, stated that rural areas rely
on AMHS for jobs, access to larger cities, vehicle
transportation, necessary supplies, building materials, and
access to healthcare. She relayed that her nephew previously
had leukemia and traveled on the Tustumena to receive treatment
at an off-island facility. She noted that ferry service also
gives people access to grocery stores, which Ouzinkie lacks, and
the ability to transport large equipment, like Ouzinkies fire
trucks. She imparted that the ferry system is vital, necessary,
and connects the states remote areas to the mainland. She
shared her willingness to receive a reduced PFD or pay taxes.
7:14:05 PM
CASEY JANTZ relayed that she is a 40-year resident of Kodiak.
She shared her support for full funding for AMHS. She stated
that ferries grant accessibility to the Alaska state highway
system, a service that she does not consider a luxury but
crucial to the economic health of the state. She said, The
massive cuts would have crippling effects, which can be
prevented through adequate funding. She said that AMHS is a
gem of our state and that a public/private partnership would be
a gross step backwards. She urged the full funding for AMHS.
7:15:22 PM
MICHAEL BOURAY relayed his concern for the proposed cuts. He
shared that he relies on AMHS for access to healthcare, safety,
and supplies. He shared that, in the case of safety recalls on
vehicles, the only choice is to ship the vehicle to Anchorage
for repair. He stated that AMHS is a necessity that the
community relies upon.
7:16:09 PM
KARLA BOURAY shared that she is a retired sexual assault and
domestic violence victim advocate. She imparted that reduced
funding for AMHS would eliminate a victims ability to transport
a vehicle and children, effectively trapping them on the island
during the winter. She relayed that shes used the ferry system
for access to healthcare. She opined upon the possibility of
strengthening the tourism industry to generate revenue rather
than cut funding for AMHS.
7:17:05 PM
LLOYD JIM supported the sentiment of previous testimonies and
imparted their importance to the Aleutian islands. He shared
that he sat on the city council when the use of catamarans was
proposed, despite feedback that they would inevitably require
costly repairs.
7:18:46 PM
BROOKE LESLIE, Co-Owner, Alaska Waters, stated that AMHS is
fundamentally a transportation system, similar to the land
highway system, the removal of which would take away a lifeline
to communities. She stated that defunding AMHS is not the
solution to the budget crisis and agreed that the operating
model is outdated. She urged the committee to consider the
recommendations of studies already conducted to make the system
financially sustainable and protected from political influence
and annual funding uncertainties. She stated that studies have
not been conducted to see the economic impacts of AMHS
elimination, but that studies have shown that elimination would
have substantial indirect impacts to local communities,
businesses, the seafood industry, and for access to healthcare.
She referenced a study by the Elliot Bay Design Group and the
McDowell Group, which found the economic benefit of AMHS to be
two to one, in which local communities receive most of the
benefits. She stated that AMHS is a fundamental transportation
system and requested the committee to consider alternative
solutions to sustain the program.
7:20:44 PM
AMY RYDER, Union Treasurer, Local 200's Healthcare Unit 2201,
International Longshore and Warehouse Union, shared that she
works for Bartlett Regional Hospital and is testifying in
solidarity with International Longshore and Warehouse Union
(ILWU) members who work on and service AMHS. She stated that
the loss of the marine highway would cause a ripple effect
throughout the entire state and would mean the loss of well-
paying union jobs. She suggested that privatization would
funnel those funds and jobs to an out-of-state corporation. She
stated her opposition to the proposed budget cuts for AMHS and
noted that any further cuts would isolate the communities that
rely heavily on ferry service. She indicated her willingness to
contribute her PFD to fund AMHS and other community services
that are on the proverbial chopping block with the governors
proposed budget.
7:22:01 PM
LIN DAVIS shared that she has is a 26-year Juneau resident and
ferry user. She relayed an anecdote of her spouse, a doctor who
worked in small villages, whose propensity for air sickness in
small planes and necessitated relocating by the ferry. Ms.
Davis shared that she previously worked at the Juneau Job Center
for the Department of Labor and would regularly bring people
from villages to Juneau and Ketchikan for classes,
certifications, and exams. She urged full funding for AMHS.
7:23:14 PM
HEATHER PARKER shared her strong opposition to the proposed
budget cuts to AMHS, as such actions would pose a serious threat
to Alaskan communities. She stated her support for full funding
and forward funding. She imparted that AMHS provides a vital
transportation link and brings groceries, medicines, vehicles,
and families to communities. She noted that budget cuts are
short sighted and that, once dismantled, AMHS would be costly
and difficult to rebuild. She opined that privatization is
unwise and would threaten service to communities. She urged
the committee to review the studies and presentations from the
AMHS Reform Project and asked members of the committee and
legislature to ensure that AMHS continues into the future.
7:24:31 PM
CORDOVA PLEASANTS shared that she is a lifelong ferry rider and
a major fan of AMHS. She stated that she was representing her
boutique, Resolute Boutique & Lifestyle. She sought to
highlight the value of tourism to the state as accommodated by
AMHS. She relayed an anecdote of a recent trip from Kodiak to
Unalaska on the Tustumena. She stated that eliminating that
road would be regressive; it is a highway and essential for
economic activity. She remarked that reduced scheduling equates
to reduced ridership.
7:25:53 PM
KEVIN SUND shared that he is a fifth-generation resident of
Southeast Alaska. He stated that AMHS is an integral part of
life for Coastal Alaska. He shared his disbelief that he was
testifying for the very existence of AMHS, rather than increased
funding or wage increases. He noted that the loss of well-
paying year-round jobs would be felt throughout Alaska. He
stated that the revenue generated from AMHS benefits Anchorage
and Fairbanks and that the loss of jobs and revenue will have a
compounding impact that will irreparably damage the state. He
stated that the manufactured fiscal crisis, immoral budget,
and its consequent shortsighted path would be felt for
generations in trying to fulfill unrealistic campaign promises
at the expense of Alaskans, which spurred him to wonder if
Alaska remains a good state to raise a family.
7:27:57 PM
MARLENE ZUBOFF relayed that the whole community of Angoon relies
upon AMHS. Some rely on AMHS to travel throughout southeast to
receive healthcare, travel for education, purchase groceries,
and receive vehicle repairs. She referenced the economic
benefits of AMHS, as found in the study conducted by the
McDowell Group.
7:29:21 PM
PAULINE JIM stated that she previously sat on the city council
and has worked with the southeast regional health corporation.
She indicated the importance of AMHS for maintaining access to
healthcare, education, vehicle maintenance, and other resources
offered off the island. She imparted the value of attending
cultural events across southeast. She said, We want to
continue, its the only thing we have going for us educational
wise that we can pass on to our younger generations. She
stated that construction workers travel into Angoon by ferry and
that, without them, community maintenance would be much more
costly.
7:31:11 PM
PEGGY WILLIAM shared that she was speaking on behalf of her
family. She imparted that her husbands health problems
necessitate travel by ferry, as travelling by float plane is not
possible.
7:32:09 PM
KIMBERLY PETERSON shared that she and her family have depended
on AMHS for over forty years to travel between Kodiak and
Juneau. She stated that there are 38 ports from Prince of Wales
Island through southeast, the gulf, and out to the chain. She
relayed the need for a new ship, as the Kennicott cannot dock at
all ports on Kodiak Island or further west. She emphasized the
importance of AMHS to the whole state.
7:33:37 PM
PATRICIA PHILLIPS shared that she serves on the Pelican City
Council, is a tribal member of the Native Village of Afognak, is
a 60-year resident of Alaska, and has spent 37 years in Pelican.
She shared that she supports the Southeast Conferences AMHS
Reform Project. She relayed that Pelican relies on the fishing
industry and AMHS to accommodate the shipment of processed fish
to markets.
7:34:56 PM
JEFFREY PETERSON relayed his surprise that some ports receive
weekly or monthly ferry service, while Old Harbor receives
service twice a year. He urged the committee to increase AMHS
budget so that additional communities may receive service.
7:36:01 PM
JACK GROMMETT shared that AMHS has been a foundational
transportation resource for remote and rural communities since
before statehood. He stated that the suggestion that the ferry
is unnecessary, or a hindrance, is mistaken and ought to be
reconsidered. He related the importance of AMHS to the
community members of Southeast Alaska.
7:37:09 PM
MARTHA INDRELAND shared that she is the economic development
coordinator for the city and borough of Yakutat. She urged the
committee to fully fund and grow AMHS to maintain and improve
cross gulf service. She stated that Yakutat doesnt have road
access and the ferry is a growing economic asset for the
community as a conduit for tourism development and small
business growth. She stated that a loss of ferry service would
mean a loss in economic development. Its also the only way for
residents to travel with their vehicles and provides affordable
access to healthcare, pet care, business supplies, vehicle
maintenance, cultural ceremonies, and other events. She urged
full funding for AMHS.
7:38:23 PM
KENNETH STEWART stated that AMHS is the bridge that brings
service to communities. He shared that he previously lived in
the interior and moved to Kodiak 12 years prior. He indicated
that he has seen communities fight to get routes to other
destinations and that, when ferry service is eliminated,
communities have to set up commercial alternatives. He stated
that theres limited access to some communities, which suffer
from an inability to transport services. He stated that it is
critical to Alaska to support AMHS.
7:39:37 PM
ALLEN CHRISTENSON relayed that he is from Old Harbor. He shared
that he has used the ferry throughout his life and that his
children ride the ferry. He noted that hes the harbor master
and a new dock was constructed exclusively for the ferry. He
expressed his appreciation for keeping AMHS.
7:40:10 PM
SEAN MCLEMORE stated that the marine highway is a unique and
special resource for the state. He conveyed his shock and
amazement that budget cuts were even being considered. He
shared that without the Tustumena, he would not have been able
to access Kodiak and the town would be short one more
schoolteacher. He stated that AMHS ties much of the state
together. He relayed his disbelief that an elected official,
elected for the good of the state, being an active part of
letting AMHS fall apart. He urged the committee and the
legislature to fully fund AMHS.
7:41:37 PM
LILLIAN WOODBURY shared that she is a resident of Juneau but
lived in Angoon until five years ago. She shared that she is a
lifelong user of AMHS. She stated that AMHS is much more than a
highway system, it is a lifeline, especially for the village of
Angoon. She relayed that there isnt a barge service, charters
are too expensive, and float planes do not accommodate elders.
She stated that city infrastructure maintenance wouldnt be
possible without AMHS, as Angoon does not have barge service.
She shared her hope that the committee will fully fund AMHS and
consider the impact of their decisions.
7:43:12 PM
LAURA STATS shared that she has resided in Juneau for 37 years.
She suggested the institution of an oil tax, income tax, and a
capping of the PFD to pay for services. She indicated that the
committee is aware of the importance of the marine highway to
Juneau and the interior. She encouraged the legislature to form
a bipartisan coalition to overturn the governors proposed
budget cuts. She thanked the committee for their work.
7:44:33 PM
CHEYENNE CUELLER relayed that she uses the ferry to vacation
locally throughout southeast, Kodiak, and Unalaska. She
expressed her desire to live in a state with functioning public
services. She advised that funds to pay for the ferry service
could be made available by capping the PFD allocation. She
urged a restoration of funding to AMHS.
7:45:19 PM
LATOYA HARTLEY stated that AMHS is a lifeline for the Native
Village of Port Lions. She indicated Alaska lacks the
transportation infrastructure of other states and relies upon
AMHS for connections. She posited that AMHS is much like
Fairbanks Parks Highway, as people rely upon the Tustumena for
their commute. She said, "Our ability to live in our homeland
is the utmost importance the sustainability of our culture.
She relayed that the Tustumena is the only means of affordable
travel to Kodiak and to the mainland and necessary for accessing
healthcare, purchasing groceries, vehicle maintenance, and
transport construction materials. She stated that two key
issues affect the community of Port Lions: losing affordable
access to mainland Alaska and the proposed capital budget shift
for the Tustumena replacement fund. She emphasized the
importance of safe and affordable travel for rural residents.
7:47:00 PM
SUSAN TYLER shared that she is a 49-year resident of Alaska and
co-owner of Icy Straits Lumber & Milling. She shared that the
state encouraged the growth of businesses in remote communities
under the belief that a road system would exist. She emphasized
the importance of AMHS to the operation of businesses and access
to healthcare, groceries, school, and family travel. She stated
that Alaskans are dependent upon AMHS as a way of life and that
its elimination would be detrimental to those in remote
communities. She noted that a solution takes time and
discouraged a sudden change that affects the health, quality,
and way of life for so many Alaskans.
7:48:21 PM
JOHN ERICKSON shared that he is the city and borough land
manager of Yakutat. He stated that the people of Yakutat want
to preserve AMHS and its service to Yakutat, otherwise much of
the commerce and economic activity would diminish or be
eliminated. He shared his worry for public/private
partnerships, which would be a caricature of the current AMHS
with service only going to profitable routes. He related that,
despite the governors rhetoric, reduced AMHS service or
elimination would close Yakutat for business.
7:49:29 PM
AMY GILSON shared that she is a year-round resident and strongly
opposes the proposed budget cuts to AMHS. She shared her
agreement with previous testifiers and noted that this proposed
budget would impose economic losses to coastal communities. She
noted that a reduced schedule to the community could still be
viable, as long as it were consistent and year-round. She
suggested the use of an income tax and a cap on the PFD to fund
state services.
7:51:02 PM
TINA MARTIN stated that eliminating ferry service to Hoonah
would lead the town to dry up, as AMHS is the only highway the
community can access. There is one airline for 800 people and
is often full; without the ferry there would be no other option
to leave. She acknowledged that the state is fiscally strained
but asked that the committee retain service between Hoonah and
Juneau. She urged against the institution of an income tax and
capping of the PFD.
7:52:21 PM
LORETTA PITTMAN asked the legislators to fully support AMHS, as
it is the only highway to remote communities.
7:52:51 PM
AARON STCLAIR expressed his desire to see continued operation of
AMHS, as many island communities depend on the marine highway.
He relayed that inclement weather often inhibits flying. He
urged the committee to continue ferry operation.
7:53:30 PM
KAY KLIMCZAK urged full funding of AMHS, as it is an essential
and critical part of life in Angoon and other coastal
communities. She stated that Alaska is a unique state in its
geographic profile. She questioned the severe and seemingly
punitive treatment of coastal communities by eliminating the
only access off the island. She questioned if these communities
were not entitled to safe and dependable transportation. She
implored the committee to continue, improve, and expand AMHS.
7:54:50 PM
GREG WEAVER shared that he is a lifelong Alaskan that has
worked in every corner of this state, from Metlakatla to
Barrow and from Kaktovik to Cold Bay. He sought to remind those
that live in coastal communities that they could live elsewhere.
He expressed his complete indifference to the issues associated
with living on an island. He stated that those living on the
coast are part of the problem for taxpayers.
7:56:00 PM
ROBERT HUTTON shared that he has used the ferry since 1977 and
that ferry service is vital to communities that do not have a
tie to the road system. The cost of goods is high and, without
AMHS, would become exorbitant. He relayed his concern for the
effect of the proposed cuts upon the ability for students to
participate in extracurricular activities.
7:56:50 PM
ALBERTA SALEEN relayed that senior citizens and individuals with
disabilities that have difficulty getting on planes and
ultimately chose to use the ferry. She urged full funding for
AMHS.
7:57:57 PM
JAMES HOLCOMB relayed that Yakutat is very dependent on ferry
service. With an already high cost of living, cancelling ferry
service would devastate the community as Yakutats local economy
depends heavily on AMHS. He stated that many local businesses
wouldnt be able to survive without AMHS. He further emphasized
the importance of maintaining AMHS.
7:59:11 PM
SHERYL KELLY stated that the loss of AMHS would create an
economic hardship felt throughout southeast. She indicated that
the ferry provides access to healthcare and accommodates travel
for those that are disabled. She stated that education costs
would increase with a loss of ferry service. She urged the
committee to move forward and retain services with necessary
adjustments.
8:00:22 PM
GILBERT FRED shared his agreement with previous testifiers. He
stated that the budget deficit would not be ameliorated by cuts
to the PFD.
8:01:49 PM
PETER ANDERSON relayed that he is representing the City of
Chignik. He asked for continued funding for ferry service to
Southwest Alaska. He relayed that AMHS is used to transport
fishermen and crew, groceries, vehicles, and cargo every summer
and that it brings economic growth to Chignik through tourism.
8:02:31 PM
KIMBERLY NATHAN shared that she has lived in Alaska since 1963.
She relayed that AMHS is a vital part of Alaskas
infrastructure, not only as a lifeline but also as a cultural
and historically significant institution to the state. She
emphasized the importance of not only sustaining AMHS service
but increasing funding. She remarked that peoples lives depend
on ferry service.
8:03:28 PM
JAMES FOSTER discouraged privatization of AMHS and referenced
Canadas experience with privatization, which lead to increased
fares, reduced schedules, and unhappy customers.
8:04:59 PM
JOCELYN MILES shared that she moved to Alaska five years ago
from the lower 48. She opined that there should be increased
AMHS coverage. She suggested allocating other sources of
revenue to fund AMHS, such as those generated by the marijuana
tax. She supported comments made by previous testifiers that
have stressed the importance of AMHS to coastal communities.
She emphasized her opposition to reducing services and the need
for alternative solutions.
8:06:17 PM
PATRICK PHILLIPS shared that he has worked on the marine highway
for 20 years and is a deck officer. He stated that AMHS is
broken as it is right now and needs to be fixed. He relayed
that ferries sometimes travel at only 40 percent of capacity.
He stated that ships are poorly managed and suggested that this
may be because the AMHS is appointed by the governor. He
suggested that the legislature empower AMHS employees to assist
with improvements to ferry service. He stated that suggestions
made in the McDowell Group's initiative has been ignored.
8:08:08 PM
DARREN MULLER shared that the community members of Ouzinkie
appreciate the current ferry service. He stated that he
supports full funding for AMHS with year-round service. He
stated that Kodiaks inclement weather can often pose challenges
and limit the use of small planes. He stated that AMHS is a
highway and critical for access to other communities,
healthcare, groceries, and other opportunities. He urged
retaining the Tustumena replacement fund and stated that he does
not support the privatization of AMHS.
8:10:02 PM
MARY KATASSE shared that she is a lifelong Alaskan and user of
AMHS. She stated that the ferry accommodates life in Alaska and
that the cuts already made have negatively impacted communities.
She stated that further cuts would devastate constituents
ability to access healthcare, educational opportunities,
groceries, home and vehicle maintenance, construction equipment,
and way of life. She urged legislators to vote against cuts to
AMHS.
8:11:24 PM
AMANDA DAVIS shared she and her family use the ferry to purchase
groceries and supplies at an affordable cost and bring them back
to Kake. She relayed that her family would not be able to
travel by plane and would be unable to afford a car rental or
the freight to transport groceries home. She shared that with a
ferry shortage last winter her two college-aged daughters were
weathered in Kake an extra week, which caused them to miss
school and incur additional travel expenses. She said that the
elimination of the ferry would force her family to move away
from her home and extended family. She noted the need for AMHS
to accommodate access healthcare, travel for her amputee father,
vehicle repairs, and safe traveling for school sports.
CO-CHAIR STUTES noted the level of interest and public concern
for retaining AMHS. She stated that if people will be able to
testify on Thursday can offer public testimony by email and hard
copy too.
8:13:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STORY thanked the people who testified and for
providing their perspective.
8:13:37 PM
CO-CHAIR STUTES noted that AMHS is an important part of life
in Alaska, evidenced by the testimony heard.
8:13:46 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the
Transportation Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 8:14
p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting Document - Various Written AMHS Testimonies - 3.11.19.pdf |
HTRA 3/12/2019 1:30:00 PM |
AMHS |
| Supporting Document - Membership Resolution FY19-06 AMHS Cuts 3.11.19.pdf |
HTRA 3/12/2019 1:30:00 PM |
AMHS |
| Supporting Document - Additional Various Written AMHS Testimonies - 3.12.19.pdf |
HTRA 3/12/2019 1:30:00 PM |
AMHS |
| Supporting Document - Second Additional Testimony List - 3.12.19.pdf |
HTRA 3/12/2019 1:30:00 PM |