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Fate of Alaska State Ferry Service Unknown

Wednesday, 27 February 2019 13:04

Photo courtesy of Skagway.com

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy says he's looking at privatizing the service as the state projects a $1.6 billion dollar shortfall from a recent state budget.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is proposing a budget cut that could shut down the entire Alaska state ferry system later next year.

Dunleavy is suggesting the state look at privatization of the ferry service to compensate for a projected $1.6 billion shortfall from a recent state budget.

Dunleavy says he's attempting to eliminate the deficit without implement new taxes and without restricting the yearly cheque Alaskans receive from the state's oil-wealth fund.

Alaskan mayors, including Joshua Bowen from the community of Angoon, say the ferry operation is critical to the well-being of their residents.

The Alaska state ferry system has since stopped selling tickets past this September as uncertainty over the ferry service arises.

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