The state’s largest business group is throwing its weight behind the beleaguered Alaska Marine Highway System. Members of the Alaska Chamber of Commerce voted say the state ferries are critical to the state’s economy.
Cordova Chamber of Commerce Director Cathy Renfeldt penned a formal resolution with Southeast Conference’s Robert Venables and Sealaska’s Anthony Mallot in response to funding cuts dropping Prince William Sound communities from the winter schedule.
“What we are feeling is what other communities will be feeling very soon if nothing is done,” said Renfeldt.
About a dozen city chambers co-sponsored the resolution and nearly all of the chamber’s members voted for it. State Chamber Director Kati Capozzi says that means she will give testimony or write letters in support of the system as issues arise.
Haines Chamber of Commerce director Tracey Harmon says it’s important that the state’s business community is beginning to take notice of what’s happening in coastal Alaska.
“There’s only so much we can do by writing letters of support. When you are part of a larger voice, the statewide voice… Now I feel protected under the strong arm of the state chamber’s advocacy,” said Harmon.
Repairs to the ferry LeConte are estimated to cost $2.8 million more than budgeted. The state has pulled it out of service, affecting nearly a thousand passengers with more than 500 vehicles.
There’s no alternative to passengers on routes serving Angoon, Tenakee, Pelican, and Gustavus which are cut off for the foreseeable future. More than 680 passengers have been refunded.
