Because of the governor’s cuts to the budget of the Alaska Marine Highway, we in Prince William Sound will have no more service until May of next year. Think of what it would be like if the Parks Highway were shut down for the winter. Our standard of living has been seriously impacted by the lack of ferry service. Cordovans spend thousands of dollars in Anchorage on goods and services that cannot be shipped economically by air or barge: medical care, construction materials, groceries, fisheries equipment, etc.
I am an artist who had a show in Anchorage this fall. Since I can’t bring my vehicle and my works are too fragile and large, they are now stranded there. My travel is not simply a “matter of convenience,” as Department of Transportation Commissioner John MacKinnon stated. Remember, the Alaska Marine Highway is the only highway in the state that actually generates money to help defray operating and maintenance costs.
— Karl Becker
Cordova
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