Reopening of a federal grant program could reduce, but not eliminate, a cash squeeze at the Alaska Marine Highway System this summer.

The months-long delay in the program jeopardized the ferry system’s operating budget for this summer. But, even with the reopening of the grant applications, the Marine Highway will need state funds  to cover for the missing federal funds until the anticipated grant comes through.

Fear of a shutdown arose earlier this year after…

Will Steinfeld is a documentary photographer and reporter in Southeast Alaska, formerly in New England.