DOT outlines bridge plan as AMHS faces $77.9M federal funding shortfall DOT officials told the subcommittee a delayed Federal Transit Administration rural ferry award created a roughly $77.9 million operating shortfall for the Alaska Marine Highway System; DOT proposed a 'waterfall' budget model and short‑term swaps (including accessing $20M of next year's marine highway funds) and discussed vessel layups/disposals to buy time.

Alaska's Marine Highway System faces a staggering $77.9 million budget shortfall, prompting officials to unveil a daring plan to keep the ferries running amidst funding delays.

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DOT subcommittee moves Alaska Marine Highway into bill language; lawmakers seek clarity on fiscal impact and PFD math The DOT&PF subcommittee report accepted administration items and moved the Alaska Marine Highway System from the numbers section to the language section as multi‑year funding, prompting lawmakers to ask for breakouts and for the Department of Revenue to quantify Permanent Fund Dividend impacts of general-fund changes.

The Alaska Marine Highway System's budget may seem cut, but it's just a strategic shift that has lawmakers demanding clarity on its financial impact.

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DOT warns Marine Highway faces shortfall as FTA grant is delayed; offers bridge plan DOT told the House Finance Committee that a delayed Federal Transit Administration rural ferry grant has created a revenue shortfall for the Alaska Marine Highway System and outlined a bridge plan that would use state AMHS revenue and a one‑year swap of federal authority to avoid service disruption through August–September 2026.

The Alaska Marine Highway System is facing a critical funding gap that could disrupt vital services for coastal communities—what's the plan to bridge this financial crisis?

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Open bay door on the car deck of a ferry frames a view of blue sky, mountains and sea.

Portal to Alaska.
#AlaskaMarineHighway #ferry #travel
#photography #EastCoastKin #Stunday

DOT says AMHS FY26 relies on uncertain federal grant; vessel proceeds restricted to replacement fund DOT told the subcommittee AMHS's FY26 operating budget included $77.9 million in federal authority tied to an FTA program created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; DOT said the FTA did not issue a NOFO last year and that proceeds from vessel sales must be deposited into the vessel replacement fund and require legislative appropriation to spend.

Alaska's Marine Highway System faces a funding crisis as federal grant uncertainties loom, leaving officials scrambling for solutions to keep operations afloat.

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#AK #TransportationChallenges #CitizenPortal #FederalFunding #AlaskaMarineHighway #InfrastructureInvestment

A man & a woman kiss in snow on back deck of ferry in a blizzard. The woman holds a bouquet between them. The ocean is churning in the boat’s wake behind them.

Happy New Year AND Happy Anniversary to me! 26 years! My poet husband & I got married on the deck of the Alaskan ferry LeConte in a blizzard in 2000! 🥶 ❄️ Really, the Alaska Marine Highway is missing an opportunity to advertise wedding adventures!

#AlaskaSky #AlaskaMarineHighway #alaska

State senators express skepticism about proposed Juneau ferry terminal backed by Dunleavy | Alaska Beacon When Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed lawmakers' plans to divert money from the Cascade Point project, it opened a hole in the budget.

Check the link in our bio (or click here bit.ly/44kOF4L) to read the article.
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Alaska's draft 20-year ferry plan depends on steady federal funds - KCAW The state plans to build new hybrid ferries to replace the aging fleet, hire more workers to run them, and improve infrastructure at the ports. That, plus regular maintenance, is estimated to cost abo...

I believe in Ferries! ⛴️ 🧚‍♂️

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