Press Release: Governor Parnell Adds Spring Ferry Runs to Aleutians, Kodiak

Governor Parnell Adds Spring Ferry Runs to Aleutians, Kodiak
December 23, 2009, Juneau, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell has directed the Alaska Marine Highway System to schedule additional ferry runs between Homer and Dutch Harbor in May 2010 and 2011.

The change means the ferry Tustumena will depart from Homer twice in May, stopping in Kodiak, Chignik, Sand Point, King Cove, False Pass, Akutan, and Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. Specific dates for departure will be available the first week of January. This doubling of the usual schedule will not only support delivery of crews and supplies for the summer fishing season, but also provide increased access for residents and tourists.

“In my travels throughout Southwest Alaska, Kodiak, and the Aleutians, I clearly heard from residents and public officials how important ferry service is to these communities,” Governor Parnell said. “By expanding ferry service during this critical time of year, we are helping to address the serious transportation needs of Alaskans in this remote region of our state.”

The state’s largest seafood processor is in Akutan, and the second-largest is in Dutch Harbor/Unalaska, the nation’s top port for fish landings. Increased access to these and other Aleutian communities directly support the fish harvesting and processing industries, which account for six percent of Alaska jobs.

To free the Tustumena for its additional Aleutian service, the ferry Kennicott will cover the Tustumena’s normal service to Whittier, Kodiak, Homer, and Seldovia. This will benefit the Kodiak Crab Festival, as the larger Kennicott can carry larger, more exciting carnival rides for the popular Memorial Day weekend event, said Transportation Commissioner Leo von Scheben.

“As the Kennicott can carry more vehicles and passengers, more folks can enjoy Kodiak’s annual seafood celebration, as well as take a trip on one of our nicest ferries,” von Scheben said. The 382-foot Kennicott can carry up to 499 passengers and 80 vehicles, while the 296-foot Tustumena can carry up to 174 passengers and 36 vehicles.

The schedule change will also bring extra ferry service for Southeast communities, as the Kennicott will serve the Ketchikan-Juneau-Whittier run on its way to the Homer-Seldovia-Kodiak run.