The public has until Dec. 18 to submit written comments on the Alaska Marine Highway System’s proposed summer ferry schedule.

The summer ferry schedule begins May 1 and runs to Sept. 30. Under the current proposal, the Hubbard is set to sail from Juneau to Haines and Skagway six days per week, with the Columbia making regular sailings from Bellingham to Skagway and back, stopping in Haines.

Residents can submit comments about the schedule and request special service for community events. In the past, Haines residents have asked for special service for Spring Fling, Beerfest, the state fair, and the Klondike bicycle relay, among other events.

AMHS was recently awarded $132 million in grants from the federal government. The money would pay for a replacement of the aging Tustumena ferry, which services Southwest Alaska. The remaining $38 million will be used for improving the workforce and vessels. The ferry system missed several port calls in Haines over the summer because of staffing issues.

Residents also have a chance to give their public comments in a Zoom meeting on Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83955593196.

Emailed comments can be sent to [email protected].