Mayor joins outcry against changed ferry plan

Haines Borough officials say they were left in the dark regarding a recent, abrupt decision by Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell to change plans for the Alaska Class Ferry.

Parnell announced Dec. 4 the Alaska Marine Highway System would pursue plans to construct two smaller, less expensive ferries rather than a single, larger one. Parnell said it became apparent during the design phase that the in-state construction of a 350-foot Alaska Class Ferry would exceed the…