Proposed 2026-27 winter AMHS schedule is much like last year’s; public feedback now being sought

Biggest change is to service in Prince William Sound due to extended maintenance of the Aurora state ferry

The stern view of sunrise shortly after the ferry departs Juneau’s Auke Bay terminal on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025. (Laurie Craig / Juneau Independent)

By Mark Sabbatini

Juneau Independent

A proposed winter ferry schedule much like the past year’s — meaning concerns about frequency of service to remote communities may again be raised by some residents — was released for public comment this week by the Alaska Marine Highway System.

The biggest change compared to last year is the 250-passenger, 33-vehicle Aurora ferry, which primarily serves Prince William Sound, is scheduled to be overhauled between Oct. 1 and March 5. The ship during the past winter underwent a maintenance period that ended in January.

"Due to the recent discovery of extensive wasted steel during maintenance, the M/V Aurora will undergo an extended overhaul period," a press release issued Wednesday by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities notes.

The proposed winter schedule covers sailings from Oct. 1 to April 30. Comments can be submitted by 5 p.m. July 22 to dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov or faxed to 907-228-6873.

Two virtual public hearings are scheduled July 23, with a focus on Southeast Alaska at 9 a.m., and Southwest and Southcentral Alaska at 11 a.m. The meetings can be attended in person at the AMHS Ketchikan Central Office at 7037 N. Tongass Highway.

The ferry system’s ridership is down more than half since its peak in the early 1990s, and cuts during Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s two terms in office have resulted in service being halted or occurring infrequently — such as once a month — to small communities such as Tenakee Springs, Gustavus, Kake and Pelican. Concerns such as difficulties obtaining supplies delivered and traveling elsewhere for school events and medical services have been expressed by residents and businesses in those communities.

Dunleavy administration officials have cited an aging fleet needing frequent repairs and an ongoing staff shortage as causes of reduced service, but critics have said the governor has been unwilling to spend sufficient state funds to ensure a healthy ferry system.

AMHS Marine Director Craig Tornga, in a cover letter for the proposed winter plan, notes "the schedule patterns proposed are based on the funding levels for FY27, and vessel availability."

" The operating plan has been designed to meet community service needs while staying within available funding levels and maintaining regulatory and safety standards for the vessels," he wrote.