Rep. Don Young (R-AK) is espousing the benefits of the state’s Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) MV Tustumena replacement plan via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
“The AMHS is an integral part of Southeast’s transportation portfolio, and I have been a long-time supporter of its operations,” Young said with regard to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s recent announcement detailing the state’s AMHS replacement focus. “We knew the bipartisan infrastructure act would be a gamechanger for Southeast Alaska. While we drafted and considered the infrastructure bill, I knew Alaska needed to have a powerful voice at the table. I am proud to have helped deliver this funding for Alaska and am grateful for our delegation’s leadership on this vital issue.”
The bill secured $1 billion for essential ferry service via the AMHS and included $73 million to build new ferries for Alaska. It also provides funding for an electric ferry pilot program to operate a cleaner operating MHS fleet.
“The Tusty has served our state well for nearly 60 years,” Young said. “With the new infrastructure bill, the time is right to replace the Tusty with a modern vessel that can help Southeast succeed in the coming decades. Looking ahead, I will continue working with local, state, and federal leaders to ensure that we put this funding to good use and build safe, reliable infrastructure for the next generation of Alaskans.”