Inside-waters:
Inside-waters are seaways at least partially protected from open ocean waves and wind. Both Prince Williams Sound, and Dixon Entrance along the Ketchikan – Prince Rupert route are considered inside-waters. The seaways in the Gulf of Alaska and along the Aleutian Islands however would not be considered inside-waters.

Legislative Authority (LA):
Legislative Authority is approval given by the legislature to the executive branch to spend state or federal funds towards a specific project. Although legislative authority might be granted towards a project, it does not mean the money has been spent. The decision to spend monies approved through the LA process is determined by the state or federal agency receiving the LA. Many times an LA is granted by the legislature but the authority is never used by the executive branch agency.

Sea state:
A description of a current wave height, wave period, wind speed, and other environmental characteristics on the surface of a large body of water. Sea state scales simplify this large number of variables into a simple rating. Sea state 5 for instance corresponds to a wind velocity of about 22 knots, and typical (significant) wave heights of 10 feet.

AMHS: Alaska Marine Highway System

DOT&PF: Department of Transportation and Public Facilities

DSR: Design Study Report

EBDG: Elliott Bay Design Group

EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

KCO: Ketchikan Central Office (AMHS)

L.A.: Legislative Authority

MTAB: Marine Transportation Advisory Board

PS&E: Plans Specifications & Estimate

WSF: Washington State Ferries

Alaska Class Ferry Project