Effort examines future of Alaska marine highway system

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Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has established the state’s Marine Highway Reshaping Work Group to make recommendations regarding future finance and service levels for the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).

“Using the resources of the Reshaping Study, the public, the three Advisory Boards, and their own personal knowledge and experience, I believe the recommendations of this Work Group will produce a balanced perspective for the future of the AMHS,” John MacKinnon, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, said.

The body will consist of eight members and a chair, appointed by the governor, officials said, noting the group will serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for travel and meeting expenses.

Recommendations from the Work Group will be completed by Sept. 30, 2020, to begin implementation in FY 2023.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 239 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, more than 5,600 miles of highway, and 776 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska.

The Work Group will define the purpose and need of the AMHS to reduce the state’s financial obligations to a sustainable level. The department’s mission is ‘Keep Alaska Moving’ through service and infrastructure.