MTAB Meeting Minutes

[alaskanmohican]

My thoughts are this could be a thread to post links and info about the meetings of MTAB or the Marine Transportation Advisory Board.

Essentially this board was created to be an advisory board to the Marine Highway, it provides a forum for AMHS to explain the why’s of their operation and for the public, particularly representatives from various communities to have input on the service provided by the ferry system.

MTAB meets at least 4 times a year and this thread can be a place to post links to the minutes of the meetings and, if anyone’s interested, discuss what was said. If nothing else it can be a source of information.

MTAB website: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/

To start I thought I would just post the links to the meetings from 2009 for posterity's sake.

August 13 Meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/081309_minutes.pdf

December 10 Meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/121009_minutes.pdf

[alaskanmohican]

Here are the links to the 2010 meetings and some items I thought were noteworthy if nothing else than for historic reference.

March 9 Meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/030910_minutes.pdf

- Of note during this meeting is discussion of the Fast Ferry engine issues:
“The replacement cost of the four engines per boat is estimated to be $30 million. The Fairweather is expected to be certified to sail until January, 2011 at which time the engines will be looked at again. Currently there are no operating restrictions on the FVF
Chenega. A date for mediation on the engines has not been set. The boats are currently under warranty but legal limitations expire at the end of March. It was agreed that MTAB is committed to seeing that the fast vehicle ferries stay in the system. “

-Another item of interest is discussion regarding the Alaska Class ferries:
“Mr. Beedle explained that money in the AMHS Vessel Replacement Fund can’t be spent without legislative authority. The cost of the boat won’t be known until a design RFP is awarded and a final design is prepared. He also explained the issue of whether or not the project is considered federal, what affect that will have on the bid process and may determine whether or not it can be built at Alaska Ship and Dry Dock.”
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May 27 Meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/052710_minutes.pdf

- A few items of note:
“the Bellingham terminal facility lease increased $500,000. Ms. Baker noted that the lease generated much discussion in the legislature as to alternate locations for a terminal.”

“He (Capt. Falvey) reported the satellite communication system should be ready for installation by early fall; a contract for broadband service has been signed with Radio Holland. Broadband for 11 vessels will be approximately $1 million a year. The new reservations system will provide 24-7 connectivity with the boats”

“Capt. Falvey reported the State of Alaska is in the process of purchasing property at Ward Cove (Ketchikan) for the Alaska Marine Highway System. A new headquarters building, warehouse and a working berth will be constructed on the site.”

“NEXT 3-YEAR SCHEDULING CYCLE
. . .
(Ms.) Traudt summarized the changes noting one of the most popular was to use the Kennicott fulltime through the summer, operating it as an express route. This change would be funding dependent. Mr. Venables expressed concerns about the costeffectiveness of running the Kennicott in the Inside Passage. Capt. Falvey noted the boat would run on the outside.”

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A meeting of MTAB occurred on August 17, however no minutes or agenda is available on the MTAB site.

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December 14 Meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/121410_minutes.pdf

Items of note:
“The current plan is to operate the boat (MV Kennicott) out of Bellingham, WA across the Gulf, stopping in Juneau, Ketchikan, Yakutat, and Whittier.”

“Capt. Falvey reported the route from Homer to Kodiak to the Chain is popular and the car deck often sells out before the boat is full due to the MV Tustumena’s small deck. Reservations for Homer/Kodiak car deck space will not be made until 21 days prior to sailing. Shipping vans will not be scheduled on the Tustumena during the summer months.”

“Capt. Falvey reported that installation of satellite communication system was progressing. It was agreed to contact Alaska Airlines about their in-flight system. Capt. Falvey explained some of the challenges such as being out of line-of-sight.”

“Alaska Class Ferry
Elliot Bay Design in Seattle has completed the preliminary design… Pending procurement decisions have slowed the design process… Currently there is no federal money in the process.”

“Capt. Falvey reported on the Prince Rupert terminal purchase…” -no other information was given in the meeting minutes of this particular meeting.

This meeting also drafted a resolution to be sent to the Governor to expedite the procurement process for the Alaska Class ferry project.

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB meeting from January 24, 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/012411_minutes.pdf

Essentially this was an “Executive Session” to discuss who the new Deputy Commissioner of Marine Operations should be.
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February 9, 2011 meeting: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/020911_minutes.pdf

Some items of interest:

“Phil Oates, Seward city manager, asked that consideration be given to adding Seward back to the route going from Bellingham, Washington to Whittier, Alaska. Capt. John Falvey explained the route is on a very tight schedule and noted that an additional stop would not allow the route to happen as it currently does”

Seward has been dropped from the schedules for several years now. I may comment a little more on this one later.

“PROCUREMENT PROCESS FOR ALASKA CLASS FERRY
(Capt. Falvey) stated the governor wants a competitive bid process. The board expressed its frustration with the slowness of the process… Since the state has $60 million on hand for the Alaska Class Ferry, the board requested that the cash flow needs of the project be explained at the next meeting. This will also allow the members of the legislature to see the timeline and need for additional funding.”

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB meeting March 29, 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/032911_minutes.pdf

This meeting had a fair amount of interesting information. Some items of note are:

- There is a report on the then status of the fleet. Since this is the status as of a year ago, I won’t quote it here, but you can click the link to read what was said; nothing that hasn’t already been discussed at some point over the last year.

- There is some talk of projects that were underway:

“Power Management System (fuel saving system) is currently being installed. Seven of the systems will be installed and commissioned by Fall 2011.

SATCOM Systems: anticipate will have 9 systems up and running by Fall 2011. Tracking system is being developed and built in-house and is currently being tested. Maintenance will also be done in-house. 511 systems will be integrated. “

“Discussions are underway with the City of Whittier to lease additional land to alleviate parking problems at the terminal. Security issues with kayakers are being addressed.

The remodel design of the recently purchased Ward Cove (Ketchikan) property is almost complete. NOAA may be interested in a joint venture with AMHS at the Ward Cove waterfront to homeport their vessel.

Anticipated completion date of the Angoon terminal is November 15, 2011. Mr. Hope asked about Sitka/Angoon service and suggested a ceremony be held in Sitka in honor of the first ferry between Angoon and Sitka. “ —The Angoon dock was being modified to handle the fast ferries; this has enabled service between Angoon and Sitka to resume after it was suspended when the LeConte was changed to dayboat status.

“Negotiations are ongoing with the City of Prince Rupert for land acquisition.”

“Yakutat Service
Capt. Falvey reported that the express run is anticipated to generate approximately $2.7 million annually. The pros and cons of adding service as requested by Yakutat were discussed at length. Mr. Venables asked AMHS to find some middle ground to the requested service.” —This will be an issue that will become a part of several MTAB meetings throughout the coming year.

“ALASKA CLASS FERRY PROCUREMENT PROCESS Mark O’Brien, Chief Contracts Officer, discussed the procurement process for the Alaska Class Ferry. The goal of the administration is to build a quality ship under a competitive environment while considering the economics of building a ship in Alaska. The Governor’s Office is currently considering the timelines. Mr. O’Brien stated he was not at liberty to discuss the process. “

[alaskanmohican]

So continuing with the MTAB Meetings for 2011, we have the meeting of the 03 May: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/050311_minutes.pdf

Items of note:

“Ward Cove Property (Ketchikan)
Capt. Neussl advised there are funds in the budget to renovate the Ward Cove property into office and warehouse space. However, funding is needed to develop a master plan.”

There is a somewhat lengthy discussion of service to Yakutat.

“Dave Stone, Mayor of Yakutat, spoke to Yakutat’s ferry service. He explained that tourists have all ferry space booked far in advance and local residents are not able to utilize the marine highway system. He further explained that providing ferry service to Yakutat gives the community the designation of being on a highway system, causing them to fall under more state and federal regulations, placing yet another hardship on the Yakutat residents. He requested that Yakutat be guaranteed vehicle space on the ferry service in and out of Yakutat. . .
The mayor of Yakutat requested that the department block out 10 vehicles spaces on ferries through Yakutat for local resident use only. Response from the department was that due to the potential for lost revenue, reserving the 10 spots would not be possible. . .
To accommodate local residents, space on the vessel’s elevator could be made available to Yakutat residents. . .
Capt. Neussl suggested the community of Yakutat purchase a block of reservations and re-sell to residents. He further commented that Yakutat residents needed to make their reservations early. . .
In response to Chairman Korsmo, board members voiced their support for delivering quality ferry service to Yakutat. Members suggested tie-downs be installed on the vessel elevator and that staff consider reserving three vehicle spots for local residents.”

There is also further discussion of the funding for the Alaska Class ferry, though nothing really new, just and update and clarification of some details.

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB Meeting 28 June 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/062811_minutes.pdf

Quite a bit seemed to happen at this meeting, so on to some items of interest:


During the Public Comments there was some discussion about expanding service to the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea.

“Ms. Lace indicated that St. George in the Pribilof Islands was the community requesting service. Board member Thompson suggested that it is expensive to travel to the Pribilof Islands, and that she recognizes that is it important to the economic development of the area. Ms. Lace again noted that she has been involved in a letter-writing campaign to include service to the outlying region. . . Board members and staff discussed the pros and cons of adding this service. It was stated that data on the population served by adding the service would be needed to consider the request. “

There was also discussion regarding the Kodiak service. Several MTAB meetings each year are held “on the road” at various communities, this one was held at Kodiak.

“(Ms) Fulp with the Borough Assembly of Kodiak addressed the board next. She commented that she’d been a resident of Kodiak since 1963. She gave thanks for the work scheduled for a new ferry dock in Kodiak, as well as plans for eventual replacement of the Tustumena vessel, the ferry she referred to as the “workhorse” of the fleet.”

“Mr. Owen said that long AMHS layovers have caused difficulties at Pier 2 in particular. Layovers by Kennicott impact pier use by research vessels, fishing vessel and cruise ships.” -MV Kennicott docks at a separate dock from where the Tusutmena docks due to her size.

“(Mr. Owens) also addressed the fact that the city owns pier 1 (Tustumena’s dock) and expressed concern about the renovation project proposed for that facility given that it is a 70-year old wooden dock. Captain Falvey addressed the need for layovers to undergo maintenance of the vessels, which is critical, since these maintenance procedures cannot be done while underway. . . (Mr. Owens) asked if the new dock being planned would work for the Tustumena. Captain Neussl said that as it’s been presented, it would be an improvement upon current specifications.”

One item of interest I think brings up a very good issue that many may not think about;

“Mr. May discussed the challenge of bringing in new members into the maritime community as the average age for captains of vessels is approximately 54 years old. He brought up the need to stimulate interest in young people in the maritime field. He called for more exposure to the merchant marine area.”

A few other items;

“Currently there are plans to upgrade the Tustumena, or possibly replace it. The Board is continually keeping an eye on adequate funding for the plans on vessel replacement.”

“Captain Neussl updated the Board on the Ouzinkie AMHS service request. A new dock is being constructed by Ouzinkie. AMHS has received numerous letters requesting this service, and AMHS will be surveying the community to capture their desires as well.” - Ouzinkie is near Kodiak.

“Captain Falvey provided a brief summary of the ferry system, with traffic being about the same as last year. Bellingham traffic has increased with the Kennicott now back in service.”

Finally there was more discussion regarding Yakutat service.

“Board member Eliason was concerned this request for blocking vehicle spots (for Yakutat residents) may set an unwanted precedent.”

The Yakutat discussion will continue with the fall meeting.

[Neil]

From the above report:
“Currently there are plans to upgrade the Tustumena, or possibly replace it."

European ferry operators must look at the west coast of North America and wonder what planet we're on. AMHS is considering upgrading a vessel that is approaching fifty years of age, and which has hundreds of thousands of miles of open ocean crossings on her, and still operates regularly in open seas? A vessel which would be illegal in parts of the world that observe up to date SOLAS standards, and where ferries of such a vintage are unknown?

How much money does Alaska take in each year in oil revenues? Has the Ron Paul-style small government mania become so ingrained that governments can't even commit to maintaining essential transportation infrastructure to modern standards?

[alaskanmohican]

Jan 17, 2012 15:36:29 GMT -8 Neil said:

From the above report:
“Currently there are plans to upgrade the Tustumena, or possibly replace it."
edit. . .
A vessel which would be illegal in parts of the world that observe up to date SOLAS standards, and where ferries of such a vintage are unknown?

Actually the Tustumena is SOLAS compliant.

However regarding her age there is no argument, she is aging and does need to be replaced.

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB meeting for 12 July 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/071211_minutes_final.pdf

Items of Interest:

There was some discussion regarding the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan as this plan will affect the long term operations of AMHS. Nothing specific was mentioned about the plan other than discussions with the appropriate committees were taking place.

There was some discussion regarding progress for the Alaska Class ferry;

“Neussl reported that he met with the Governor’s Office on 7 July to discuss the method of procurement DOT will use for the Alaska Class Ferry. He will meet with the Chief Contracts Officer, Mark O’Brien regarding that as well. . . .

The model for procurement may follow the CMGC process, which the States of Utah and Washington, among others, have used in the past. . . .

Deputy Commissioner Neussl confirmed the addition of $60 million dollars to the vessel replacement fund by the legislature and approved by the governor. Member Venables asked for clarification on whether the $60 million dollars came from the operating or capital budget. It was stated by Deputy Commissioner Neussl that the money was appropriated in HB 108, the operating budget.

Chair Korsmo appreciated Captain Neussl following through so diligently. The new vessel procurement is MTAB’s highest priority right now. Captain Neussl commented on some research he has conducted, particularly with the Washington State Ferries. He realized that the Washington State ferries do not travel in the same conditions, routes, and are of varying sizes in comparison to ours, but in looking at one ferry, it was comparable at a cost of approximately $80.5 to $103 million dollars. Again, there are obvious differences between Alaskan and Washington state ferries, one being crew accommodations. . . .

It was brought up that not only did we have crew quarters but our cabins are more complex and there are other design modifications. Even so, with the differences taken into consideration, the costs are at least “in the ballpark,” according to Captain Neussl. . . .

Captain Neussl was not able to commit that the CMGC process would be used. Most in the room including members of MTAB agreed that it was a preferable model for procurement.”

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB meeting for 9 September 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/090911_minutes.pdf

This was another meeting that had a great deal of discussion it seems. Items of Interest:

From the Public Comment period;

“(Mr) Luczak, representing the City of Petersburg, said he was excited about the progress of the Alaska Class Ferry, and that it works well for both the North and South ends of Alaska, but that the central region transportation services need to be addressed.”

“Via phone, (Mr) Thoma spoke regarding the Alaska Ship & Dry Dock completed ferry for the Mat-Su Borough. He suggested that the DOT/PF conduct an in-house analysis of possible usage of the ferry.”

In response to this comment, later in the meeting, there was a discussion regarding the MV Susitna;

“With regard to (Mr) Thoma’s comments on the M/V Susitna, there was discussion on the issue of use, the vessel not being compatible with existing AMHS docks, owned by a municipality with other intended uses, and that it would be costly and time-consuming to pursue use due to training of vessel crew. Board member Joshua Howes asked whether the Knik crossing route is of current interest within AMHS. To date it has not been, and there was a short discussion on that.”

Captain Falvey commented on the condition of the fleet. Some highlights;

“He mentioned that with regard to the Kennicott going to Yakutat, there were some concerns about weather conditions with vehicles on the elevator – they are working on a new method for car tie-downs, so that no matter the weather, the cars are secured in the elevator area. The Kennicott will be over-hauled in February 2012, with a vehicle-securing mechanism on the elevator installed.”

“The Columbia is currently in the design process for new engines, which she needs.”

“The Malaspina is planning to have new propeller shaft struts put in during the December 2011 State overhaul. The struts are cracked and need replacing. This will require extensive steel work during the installation.”

“The Fairweather is having engine cylinders inspected so she can obtain a current conditions report during the October 2011 State overhaul. She was given a current engine extension that is valid until April 2012.4
The Chenega is having a final engine cylinder boring done during its layup commencing November 14, 2011. She has current engine extension valid until July 20, 2012”

“Captain Falvey reported that AMHS is working with TSA with K-9 security. Additionally, he commented that the port at Ouzinkie has also been worked into the schedule, as requested by the community.”

A new issue that even got the media’s attention at the time;

“The subject of the recent $1,000 refundable deposit for transporting large animals was discussed at length. AMHS policy, based on Alaska Administrative Code with the intent of complying with EPA regulations, instituted a refundable deposit to cover any clean-up issues. Stricter environmental regulations mandate that waste must be in a suitable container and cannot just be washed over the side. . . . Public comment came from Swampy Acres patrons who felt the deposit was excessive and had resulted in them not sending horses on the ferry system for 4-H activities that in the past had been enjoyed, because of the required deposit.”

The meeting went on to discuss the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan, the Kodiak dock rebuild, as well as a motion to create a delegation to approach the Governor regarding the Alaska Class ferry. The amount of time it has been taking to make progress on the new build has been a point of frustration for MTAB.

A few other items were discussed including an update on the Prince Rupert terminal.

“It was reported that the DOT/PF is close to getting a long-term lease signed with regard to the Prince Rupert terminal.”

One final reminder for the AMHS to consider was regarding an issue made two meetings ago.

“Board member (Ms) Thompson commented that in recalling the meeting in Kodiak, the citizens in that community have asked that the Pribiloff Islands be included in the ferry schedule of stops.”

[Neil]

Jan 17, 2012 19:51:55 GMT -8 @alaskanmohican said:

Jan 17, 2012 15:36:29 GMT -8 Neil said:

From the above report:
“Currently there are plans to upgrade the Tustumena, or possibly replace it."
edit. . .
A vessel which would be illegal in parts of the world that observe up to date SOLAS standards, and where ferries of such a vintage are unknown?

Actually the Tustumena is SOLAS compliant.

However regarding her age there is no argument, she is aging and does need to be replaced.

Probably about as much as the Queen of Prince Rupert was, thanks to grandfathering and how much of the SOLAS provisions the government cares to recognize and enforce. Still, this vessel falls far short of the standards that would be demanded of a new boat, and far short of anything that would be acceptable for open ocean sailings in Europe, and the state should be planning only on replacement.

[Name Omitted]

Jan 17, 2012 22:57:27 GMT -8 Neil said:

Probably about as much as the Queen of Prince Rupert was, thanks to grandfathering and how much of the SOLAS provisions the government cares to recognize and enforce. Still, this vessel falls far short of the standards that would be demanded of a new boat, and far short of anything that would be acceptable for open ocean sailings in Europe, and the state should be planning only on replacement.

Keep in mind 2 things. 1) BC Ferries can go shopping around the world for a replacement to QPR, and 2) population and politics within Alaska are shifting away from the areas served by the AMHS.

I have little doubt that the "study" as to what it would take to rehabilitate her will be along the lines of "40 years old? Are you ******* kidding me?" followed by a quick slapping together of numbers as to what it would cost, so they can tell us that for $60 Million USD, we can have the Tusty for another 10 years, or for $150 Million USD, we can replace for with something that will last another 40.

Case in point, in Anchorage we are looking to connect the Seward highway going south with the Glenn highway going north (currently they are connected by city streets, creating a bottleneck). There are several options to do so, 3 of which cross Merrill Field, the essential general aviation airstrip for Anchorage.

NO ONE thinks this is a good idea. It's not going to happen, Merrill Field is more important to our economy than the connector highway could ever be. That being said, if we want the money to pay for a highway connector, we need to show that we looked at all the options, and the one we put forward for funding is the best option available.

[alaskanmohican]

MTAB meeting for 14 October 2011: www.dot.state.ak.us/mtab/documents/agendas_minutes/101411_minutes.pdf

There was a great deal of discussion regarding the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) during this meeting as well as an update on the Alaska Class ferry.

On to the Items of Interest:

The Alaska Class update:

“Deputy Commissioner Neussl said that there has been some progress with regard to the Alaska Class Ferry since the last MTAB meeting last month. He has received DOT&PF commissioner approval to move forward with the CM/GC procurement process to design and to potentially construct the ship at Alaska Ship and Drydock. The state is using Elliott Bay Design Group for the engineering and design of the vessel. DOT&PF plans are to bring in Alaska Ship and Drydockwith a professional services contract (which has been used for buildings and other projects, but not for ferries before), and merge the two so that it is a good working relationship as Elliott Bay helps us to design the ship that will hopefully be built by Alaskan Ship and Drydock.”

“Board member (Mr.) Joyce asked Deputy Commissioner Neussl about the time frame involved in the design and building of the vessel. Captain Neussl responded that it will probably be about one year in the engineering and design phase, and about this time next year, they should be in a position to begin building the vessel. . .
The actual construction of the vessel, once in place, will be about a 3-4 year process.”

As mentioned above there was a great deal of discussion regarding the SATP, so to cut to the final outcome:

“The Marine Transportation Advisory Board will develop a letter of support for the SATP that articulates the MTAB position including the retention of both the Bellingham and Cross-Gulf ferry routes, the construction of an additional Alaska Class ferry and one mainliner replacement ferry, consideration of a Berner’s Bay ferry terminal that includes an inherent Public Transportation component to support walk-on ferry passengers, and funding for the design phase for the Sitka-Baranof Warm Springs road. Road links should be built where appropriate and possible in order to shorten ferry runs and create an efficient transportation system.”

The above motion was passed despite three votes of no.

“(Ms) Roemmich wanted to put on record why she did not vote in favor of the SATP recommendation. She said that given the time scope of the report, she felt that MTAB might be asking for too much. She further suggested that she wanted to support the system in as positive a way as possible. Robert Venables said that with a five year plan, it might be well to support that, but with a twenty year plan, it might be wise to give general direction.

(Mr.) Howes said that as a board member, non-AMHS employee, he would like to see the communities served but would also encourage some community self-sufficiency. By twenty years, there probably will be a road into Juneau. But he cautioned asking carefully what you need as it may hamper decisions down the line. He’s hopeful that MTAB can assist in finding ways as Cathie Roemmich suggested earlier, rather than asking for more money.

Vice Chair Mark Eliason reminded members that the plan was a (Southeast) plan. He was struck by that while he was reviewing the plan. There will definitely be changes within the next twenty years, such as the Arctic and Aleutians that have been impacted greatly.”

A few other items that came up during the meeting:

“(Ms) Roemmich commented that money be put aside for the vessel replacement fund. Deputy Commissioner Neussl said that these would be funds in addition to continual upkeep, and that it was important to identify which vessel needed to be replaced next, that it should be addressed internally, but would most likely be the Tustumena.”

“(Mr.) Korsmo moved that the following be communicated to the Governor for FY13 consideration:
• Funding for AMHS operations at current levels of service
• Columbia Repower Project
• Engine Replacements for the Fast Vehicle Ferry
• Alaska Class Ferry Construction
• Annual Appropriations to the Vessel replacement Fund of at least $60 million.”

Some final comments at the end of the meeting:

“(Mr.) Knapp, representing CPR (Citizens Pro Road), addressed the Board. . . . .
Mr. Knapp commented that by supporting this, it demonstrates the interconnected relationship between ferries and roads. It is very refreshing, he felt, to finally see an end to the “if you’re for the road, you’re not for the ferries.” He said the meshing of the perspectives, “made his day.”

The next MTAB meeting took place on the 15 December 2011. Minutes from this meeting have not been posted on the website yet, once they are a link and summary can be posted in this thread.

[alaskanmohican]

Jan 17, 2012 22:57:27 GMT -8 Neil said:

Probably about as much as the Queen of Prince Rupert was, thanks to grandfathering and how much of the SOLAS provisions the government cares to recognize and enforce. Still, this vessel falls far short of the standards that would be demanded of a new boat, and far short of anything that would be acceptable for open ocean sailings in Europe, and the state should be planning only on replacement.

Regarding the Tustumena as noted from the October meeting (which to be fair I had not yet posted when Neil made the above comment):

"it was important to identify which vessel needed to be replaced next, that it should be addressed internally, but would most likely be the Tustumena.”

Also with regards to the process of funding AMHS for operations and vessel replacement, as Name_Omitted pointed out as well as the October MTAB meeting discussed, SE ALaska must compete with the rest of the state for transportation monies. An even greater task when one considers that 1) over half the states population lives in and around the Anchorage/Mat-Su area followed by the Fairbanks area and 2) that SE Alaska is actually declining in population.