December 13, 2003
Saturday - 12:50 am

Morgan City, LA - Lieutenant Governor Loren Leman and his wife, Carolyn, were in Louisiana Friday for the dedication ceremony and christening of the Alaska Marine Highway System's (AMHS) newest vessel, the M/V Lituya.

The $9.5 million ship is the tenth motor vessel to join the AMHS fleet. The new 180-foot, roll on/roll off steel ferry accommodates 18 cars and 150 passengers with an average speed of 10-12 knots. The ship is expected to complete sea trials by February 19 and enter service next May.

"For many years, our fleet has been comprised of nine ships-primarily long haul vessels that travel between Alaska's coastal communities," stated the Lieutenant Governor. "We also have ships that connect our smaller communities. This new vessel will provide regular, dedicated service between Ketchikan and the Tsimshian Indian community of Metlakatla."

Lieutenant Governor Leman thanked the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for more than ten years of partnership with the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) and AMHS in modernizing Alaska's vital marine transportation system. The dedication of the Lituya follows the addition of Alaska's first fast ferry, the M/V Fairweather, which Governor Murkowski and First Lady Nancy Murkowski christened in Connecticut last month.

Alaska statute requires each State ferry to be named for an Alaskan glacier. The State has traditionally shared this task with Alaskan school children by holding a contest in which students write a short essay nominating their favorite glacier for the name of the next ferry. Students have named four ferries in the past six years.

"For this vessel, we turned to the students of Metlakatla. The winning essay, which will be framed and hung on the Lituya, was written by Josiah Milne, when he was a second grade student at Metlakatla School," said Lieutenant Governor Leman.

Before she broke a bottle of champagne on the ship's bow, sponsor Carolyn Leman said, "Alaskans, and especially those in Metlakatla, are delighted to have had this ship built. We thank the men and women of Conrad Shipyards for constructing this wonderful ferry. We are eager to welcome the Lituya to Alaska. I name this ship the Motor Vessel Lituya. May God bless her and all who sail in her!"

Louisiana State Senator Butch Gautreaux, Morgan City Mayor Tim Tregle, Alaska DOT Commissioner Mike Barton and AMHS Captain George Capacci were also present for the ceremony.

Related:

Governor Signs Bill Naming New State Ferry "Lituya"; Ferry Named By Josiah Milne of Metlakatla... August 08, 2003

Source of News & Photos:

Office of the Lt. Governor
Web Site

 

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