DOT budget subcommittee vote to give AMHS a lifeline by adding $18.7 million to get ferries up and running
February 14, 2020
This Alaska Department of Transportation budget proposal will now head to the Alaska House Finance Committee for consideration and the budget proposal will also be vetted on the House floor, in the Senate, and must be finalized by the governor before these funds are available. Rep. Louise Stutes (R-Kodiak) is a member of the DOT budget subcommittee, chair of the House Transportation Committee, and serves on the Alaska Marine Highway Reshaping Work Group. Representative Stutes said, “Shelves in grocery stores are empty. Alaskans are missing medical appointments. Mothers are turning to Facebook to find diapers for their babies. The Alaska Marine Highway System’s struggles are felt statewide. Stutes said, [Thursday's] amendment is about making sure ferry service resumes so coastal Alaskans can get back to life as normal.” House Speaker Bryce Edgmon (I-Dillingham), also a member of the subcommittee, said, “We need to do something now to get ferries operating.” “Every Alaskan deserves access to basic transportation,” said Rep. Andi Story (D-Juneau), who also voted to increase AMHS funding. Story said, “Reduced ferry service has been painful for our people, our communities, and our businesses. Funds voted on [Thursday] will be significant in reinstating stable service to people across Alaska. We will continue working until the ferries are up and running again.”
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Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews
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