Q: Why do we need to engage in public process again?
A:
The Alaska Class Ferry project mission has evolved from previous ferry acquisition projects, and requires renewed public understanding and opportunity for input. Individual stakeholder and community input are critical in determining the efficiency and function of the Alaska Class ferries. The public process however is not delaying the project. Technical analysis and design development is proceeding concurrently.
Q: Is public input on past ferry acquisition projects being considered?
A:
Past comments given by the public are currently being considered by the technical steering committee for application to the new vessel.
Q: When will vessel construction be complete?
A:
This is outside the authority of the project team. Legislative authority to pay for construction projects in a particular year is decided by the State's annual budget process. Legislative authority however can not be given until the design is complete in early 2010. Once legislative authority is given to start construction, vessel delivery can be expected in 3 to 5 years.
Q:
I have heard there was a Legislative Authority granting $16 million dollars to the Haines/Skagway Shuttle ferry project, is that true?
A: This question refers to the following appropriation: [AMHS: Haines/Skagway Shuttle $16,000,000 LA to receive & expend federal receipts (SLA 2004, Ch 159, Page 40, Line 27)] None of this Legislative Authority was used. AMHS determined in early technical analysis that the Haines/Skagway Shuttle ferry project was not the best fit for the Alaska transportation system. However the technical analysis supporting that project is now informing design development on this project.
Q: How can I provide input?
A: Fill out the project survey on the Public Involvement page (available on February 16th).
Q:
While I understand that these shorter route ferries will not have cabins, will passenger cabins still be available on AMHS vessel on the longer routes?
A:
Yes, main-line service will continue to service the overnight runs. This approach will allow AMHS to gain efficiencies in the way the system is managed.
Q: Will street legal loads be able to be carried by this vessel?
A:
This vessel will accommodate anything that is road legal up to tractor trailer combinations hauling 53 foot vans.
Q: Will this vessel have a bow door?
A:
The inclusion of a bow door has been considered to reduce vessel time in port. Including a bow door allows vehicles to load by driving straight forward on, and offload by driving straight forward. The drawbacks to this configuration are the initial expense of including a retractable bow door in the vessel design, increased maintenance costs and the necessary terminal modification costs. Additionally, a bow door may not allow for a fuel efficient hull shape and thereby impact the fuel efficiency over the life of the vessel. The option of a bow door has been considered and we believe that the costs outweigh the benefits. Further, more economical methods can be explored to reduce the necessary time for a vessel to remain in port to offload and reload vehicles such as future terminal modifications allowing passenger loading directly to the passenger deck. Accomplishing this alone will increase safety and cut turn-around times in half.
Q: What will this vessel cost?
A:
At this point in the project it is too early in the process to know the complete cost of the vessel. Design features and timing will affect the final cost estimate. As we go through the design process we will be able to develop better estimates of the vessel cost.
Q: Will federal and state funds be used to construct this vessel?
A:
Presently there is $60M set aside in the state vessel capital construction fund. AMHS is working to secure additional funds for construction. There is the possibility that the additional funding could come from either the state or the federal sources.
Q: How many vessels will be constructed?
A:
Currently we only have the authority to design this vessel. If approval to move forward is granted, the State has several options. All of these will need to be carefully considered once all of the costs are fully understood. It is likely that construction of one vessel will be authorized. The state will make decisions regarding additional vessels based on the Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP), which is currently being rewritten. Follow this link [link to SATP public input page] to review and provide input to the SATP.
Q: How will these vessels impact the environment relative to existing AMHS vessels?
A:
The vessel wake will be similar to AMHS's existing conventional displacement hull vessels. The vessel emissions and overboard discharges will be reduced because the design must incorporate the latest environmental regulations. Further, to make the vessel as environmentally responsible as possible, we are evaluating future environmental requirements as well as researching, equipment, materials and finishes that will lessen the environmental impact of the vessel throughout its service life.
Q: Why not just build another mainliner?
A:
During the summer of 2008, we operated the MALASPINA in Lynn Canal as a day boat. This redeployment of the MALASPINA was successful. It resulted in significant ridership increases throughout the system because of the consistent and reliable service that we were able to provide. As a mainliner however, this vessel is not an appropriate size for this route type. It is too large for the vehicle and passenger demand, resulting in excess fuel and other operational costs. The ACF will be designed to operate reliably year around on intermediate length routes and will be significantly more efficient. This new vessel class will then allow fleet mainliners to be deployed where they are most efficient, on longer routes.

Alaska Class Ferry Project