The US Government has awarded more than $410 million in federal funding to support the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The funding follows six successful applications submitted by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to support ferry services in rural Southeast Alaska.
The allocations include $161.2 million for vessel operations, crew, fuel, and maintenance across more than 20 communities.
A further $153.4 million was awarded for the design and construction of a replacement for the Ro-Pax ferry LeConte to improve reliability and fleet flexibility.
Infrastructure improvements include $37.6 million for the Cascade Point Ferry Terminal to shorten the Juneau-Haines-Skagway route by roughly one-third and reduce operating expenses.
Additionally, $33.4 million was granted for the Kake Ferry Terminal modernisation to accommodate larger vessels, whilst $20.6 million will fund the expansion of Saxman Seaport.
The final $4 million will support customer service and operations modernisation, including updated reservation systems.
"For many of Alaska’s 230 communities that are not connected by the road system, marine transportation isn’t optional, it’s how people travel to meet their everyday needs," said Senator Dan Sullivan. Congressman Nick Begich stated that the funding will address operating needs and improve overall ferry service reliability across coastal Alaska.