KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Ed Shoenfeld/CoastAlaska
The ferry system’s oversight panel is heading north to consider problems out west. The Marine Transportation Advisory Board will meet today at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage. It’s the group’s first-ever meeting in Alaska’s largest city. Ferry system chief Jim Beedle says the board will hear from the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference. The regional economic-development group is unhappy about sparse sailings in the region.
05MTABNorth1, 23 seconds: “that service with something.”
The Tustumena regularly connects Homer, Kodiak and nearby communities. Less frequent sailings extend west to Sand Point, King Cove, False Pass and Unalaska. The board will also discuss state transportation plans for Southeast, Southwest and Prince William Sound. And it will get marketing and vessel-replacement updates.
The governor recently appointed two Anchorage residents to the Marine Transportation Advisory Board. Chairwoman Cathy Roemmich says the appointment, plus the Anchorage meeting, will help Alaskans off the ferry grid understand its importance.
05MTABNorth2, 17 seconds: “lifeline to the communities that use it.”
Monday’s M-TAB meeting is available via teleconference. The number is 1-800-315-6338, and the access code is 3902.
