Residents wishing to weigh in on the state’s recently-released draft Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan are invited to an open house, presentation, and question and answer session Wednesday, Sept. 10 in the assembly chambers.
The open house runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by the presentation and overview of the draft plan from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. Attendees may ask questions from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.
One of the draft plan’s recommendations is to complete the Juneau Road to Katzehin and construct two small day boats to service the Upper Lynn Canal.
The day boats would run routes from Katzehin to Haines and Katzehin to Skagway.
According to the plan, construction of an additional Haines-Skagway shuttle ferry also would begin seasonal service in 2020. The shuttle – which could carry 18 vehicles and 149 passengers – would make two, one-hour trips between Haines and Skagway daily.
DOT spokesman Jeremy Woodrow said the shuttle will complement the day boats’ service. “When the Juneau Access Project SEIS (supplemental environmental impact statement) is released for review, more information will be provided regarding traffic projections and how an additional ferry could benefit transportation access between Haines and Skagway,” Woodrow said.
Construction of the two day boats is slated for 2014 and delivery of the first vessel is expected in 2016.
The vessels will not have crew quarters, staterooms or galleys. “They will have a food-service area similar to the current fast ferries, and will provide comfortable, basic transportation,” the plan reads.
Comments are due Sept. 30 and can be submitted to [email protected].