S.E.A.L.

A resolution of the city of Skagway, Alaska supporting improved ferry service between Juneau and the upper Lynn Canal and opposing the construction of any road linking Juneau to Skagway or Haines.

Ferries are the safest and most reliable method of providing for the movement of people, goods, and services throughout our region. The community of Skagway has a long history of support and advocacy for improved ferry service in Lynn Canal. In 2004 a public vote was held in Skagway in which 62% of the voters supported improved ferry service in Lynn Canal over a road to Juneau. Here is a link to a chronological history of Skagway's position on the Alaska Marine Highway.

The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities is currently in the process of designing the Day Boat Alaska Class Ferry and anticipates that construction on the first of two vessels will begin in 2014.

    Since its start 50 years ago, the Alaska Marine Highway System has grown to connect an area covering 3,500 miles and 35 port communities, from Alaska to Canada to Washington. Now in its 50th year, the Alaska Marine Highway has grown to 11 vessels and averages 330,000 passengers and 110,000 vehicles a year.

    To commemorate the Golden Anniversary, we embarked on a year-long celebration highlighting the history of the system including the vessels we operate and the communities we service. We received some amazing photographs and stories from the public, as well as from current and retired AMHS employees. Through the public input process we gleaned some incredible ideas and incorporated the most practical into our overall 50th Anniversary plan.

Our local economy depends upon reliable and predictable patterns of transportation. The most viable, safe, and fiscally responsible method of moving people and goods in Lynn Canal is marine transportation.