Alaska Ferry Planning for 2022 holds space open for return of AMHS service to and from Prince Rupert if requirements are met

Some signs of hope from Alaska today that AMHS service to and 
from Prince Rupert could resume next summer if some 
clearance requirements can be met

The Alaska Marine Highway has put the wrap on their draft planning for the 2022 summer season, posting their proposed schedule for next summer for review of stakeholders today.

The plan for 2022 coming together following confirmation of funding from the State of Alaska and Governor Dunleavy.

“This summer schedule will allow residents and visitors to make plans on our ferry system a year in advance, bringing certainty and reliability. This is only possible because Governor Dunleavy forward funded the AMHS by 18-months, increased the ferry system budget year-over-year by $8 million, and continues to push for reforms that will make for more sustainable ferry service in the face of continued budget deficits.” -- John MacKinnon Alaska Department of Transportation Commissioner

With the 2022 operating plan now in place, the AMHS also notes that they still have Prince Rupert in mind, should a range of issues related to the service ever get straightened out.

"This schedule leaves room for the addition of Prince Rupert if clearance requirements can be addressed." 

The need for Terminal improvements and the call from US Customs and Border Protection for the  security requirement of an armed police presence at the Prince Rupert terminal were among some of the contributing factors towards the suspension of the Prince Rupert - Ketchikan connection back in October of 2019.

Should those discussion points find some forward momentum through the fall and into 2022, there may once again be regular sailings between the two communities in time for the summer tourism season next year.

You can explore the Draft schedule for next year from the AMHS here.

Written comments are being accepted through August 31, 2021, via email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at (907) 228-6873.  

A public teleconference to hear additional comments and consider adjustments is scheduled for September 2, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. for the Southeast schedule option.

More on today's announcement can be reviewed here.

A look at past AMHS themes on the North Coast can be examined on our archive page.

Cross posted from the North Coast Review.