(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) finalized the transfer of the Ketchikan marine engineering offices and warehouse to the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (AIDEA) today in Ketchikan, Alaska.

ADOT&PF ceremoniously transferred the 2.5 acre property located next to Alaska Ship and Drydock (ASD) to provide for expansion of Ketchikan’s marine industrial capacity.

The transfer follows the successful remodeling of the old veneer mill in Ward Cove for the new Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) Marine Engineering Building and Warehouse.  In 2011, Governor Parnell sponsored the appropriation of $3.4 million to allow the transfer of the properties.

“The remodeling of the old veneer mill building was managed extremely well and was completed within budget,” said ADOT&PF Deputy Commissioner for Marine Operations, Michael Neussl.  “We are very pleased with the result.”

ADOT&PF is currently working with AIDEA and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough to construct a new berthing facility in Ward Cove.  When that project is complete the AMHS berth adjacent to ASD will also be transferred to AIDEA to allow the shipyard to outfit vessels while tied to the dock.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 255 airports, 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 5,619 miles of highway and 720 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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