August 29, 2016
Monday PM

During my 1½ years as southern Southeast Alaska's state legislature representative, I've been door to door many times throughout our district seeking the peoples' opinion. One concern many constituents share is the efficiency, safety and reliability of our ferry system. I have heard from many southern Southeast locals - from Wrangell to Metlakatla - about their expectations of our ferry system. Most of the thoughtful suggestions can be boiled down to this: our ferry system must become more responsive to the needs of Alaskan residents who live and do business in coastal communities. The AMHS needs to become more insulated from political regime change and be provided reliable financial planning with long-term funding.

It has become clear to me, through the valuable input of you and your neighbors, that many Alaskans feel our ferry system can't operate at its full potential as long as its management is subject to political change and annual funding uncertainty. Both of these obstacles cause our ferries to fall short of meeting public expectations. In addition, the timing of the annual funding announcement negatively impacts our communities. The funding announcement is far behind the schedule of the real world, causing ferry schedules to be released long after the tourism sector has set their operating agendas, and also not far enough in advance for locals who are planning ahead for personal and community travel.

In comparison to similar marine highway systems across the world, our AMHS has a respectable return on box fares, and many do feel the AMHS is meeting their expectations of safety, reliability, and efficiency. However, there are always ways to improve. Anyone can contribute to this conversation by emailing thoughts, criticisms and suggestions to me at rep.dan.ortiz@akleg.gov, by calling me at 907-247-4672, or by emailing the ferry system reform project head at transportation@seconference.org .

Dan Ortiz
E-mail: Representative.Dan.Ortiz@akleg.gov
Ketchikan, Alaska

Received August 29, 2016 - Published August 29, 2016

About: Ortiz is an independent member of the Alaska House of Representatives, who has since 2015 represented the 36th District. He is the only independent in the Alaska State Legislature.

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