(SitNews) Washington, D. C. - Monday afternoon U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, (all R-AK) participated in a White House ceremony as the President Joe Biden signed into law their legislation, H.R. 1318, the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA).

Their bill, which is strongly supported by Alaskans, provides cruise ships transporting passengers between the State of Washington and the State of Alaska a temporary fix under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). Due to the Canadian prohibition on passenger vessels traveling through Canadian waters, large cruise ships sailing to Alaska would not have been able to sail to Alaska this summer as the PVSA requires a stop in a foreign country. The return of large cruise ships to Alaska is critical to provide economic opportunity for communities who rely on tourism.

President Biden tweeted, "Today [Monday}, I signed the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act into law. Tourism is vital to the state of Alaska — and this law will help revitalize the industry and support Alaskans by allowing large cruise ships to return to the state this summer."

U.S. Senator Murkowski said, “For over a year and a half many Alaskan communities who rely solely on tourism have been completely cut off from business due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Alaska Delegation has worked for months to try to find opportunities to provide a safe path forward for Alaskans—to help salvage what is left of the 2021 tourism season. Together, with the support of so many Alaskans, there is now a light at the end of a long, dark tunnel.”

Murkowski said, “It was an honor to be at the White House today to witness the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act being signed into law by the President. As a result of this bill, multiple cruise lines have already resumed ticket sales and Alaskan stakeholders and business owners can officially plan for the remainder of the 2021 season with some level of confidence and certainty. The journey to this point has been a challenge, but knowing the opportunities this bill will provide Alaskans makes all our hard work well worth the fight. We’re ready to spread the word that it is full steam ahead for the Alaska tourism season.” 

“Hundreds of Alaska’s small business owners, who have put their savings, their hopes and their dreams into their businesses, were on the brink of ruin as a result of the pandemic and the fact that our short cruise ship season was about to be canceled again,” said U.S. Senator Sullivan. 

Sullivan said, “Alaska’s congressional delegation has been working for months on a solution. The bill that President Biden signed today will at long last bring our small business owners hope. I want to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, in both chambers, for working with us to help Alaskans in need. This summer will not be the robust cruise ship season we have had in previous years, or was forecasted this year before the pandemic hit, but there will be ships, and there will be people, and that is excellent for Alaska.”

Congressman Young said, “Against tough odds, our Delegation got it done! I want to thank President Biden for signing the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act into law. Today truly is a great day for the State of Alaska and our communities in Southeast. Alaska's tourism economy depends on the summer cruise season. Until now, families in Southeast have been kept awake at night from stress, driven by the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season. With the President's signature on our bill, Canada's port closure – which prevented cruise lines from being compliant with the PVSA – will no longer prevent our mom-and-pop businesses from doing what they do best: welcoming tourists, growing our economy, and keeping Alaska the world-class destination that it is. Today's bill enactment comes at a critical time. Infections are down, mask mandates are being relaxed, and over 60% of the adult population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. In the very near future, the CDC will issue public health guidance so that cruise passengers from far and wide can safely experience everything our state has to offer. We now have a path forward for cruises, and I am confident that Alaskans will all do their part to ensure a safe and prosperous season. Tickets are being sold, itineraries have been created, and very soon, families will be making lifelong memories in the Last Frontier.”

Young said, “To those who will be visiting our state this summer, I say 'welcome to Alaska; we are so glad to finally see you!'”

Edited By Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Office of Sen. Lisa Murkowski
www.murskowski.senate.gov

Office of Sen. Dan Sullivan
www.sullivan.senate.gov

Office of Congressman Don Young
www.donyoung.house.gov

White House
www.whitehouse.gov

C-span - Video
www.c-span.org

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