Tlingit & Haida is urging state and federal leaders to prioritize critical existing infrastructure and connections within the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) as the state moves forward with recently restored federal funding.

In a September 1 letter to Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Alaska’s congressional delegation and members of the Alaska Legislature, Tlingit & Haida President Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson expressed appreciation for the work to restore and secure federal funding for the Marine Highway System.

The recently announced $410 million federal allocation represents a significant investment in AMHS, including funding for vessel replacement, terminal improvements and operations.

“For Southeast Alaska and other coastal communities across the state, the Marine Highway is not simply a transportation service. It is our highway,” President Peterson said. “It is the lifeline that connects our communities to one another and to essential services, jobs, education, health care, commerce and family.”

Tlingit & Haida also raised concerns about the allocation of $37.6 million for the proposed Cascade Point Ferry Terminal, urging state and federal leaders to carefully consider whether the project represents the highest priority for limited transportation resources.

The Tribe is calling for greater emphasis on infrastructure that is already essential to coastal communities, particularly necessary repairs and improvements to the Skagway terminal and restoration and modernization of the AMHS connection through Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

For Southeast Alaska communities without road access, reliable ferry service provides a critical connection to the continental road system and the Lower 48. The Prince Rupert connection supports personal travel, freight movement, medical access, commerce, education and connections between families and communities.

Tlingit & Haida also emphasized the importance of the Skagway terminal as a critical component of the regional Marine Highway network and gateway for communities throughout Southeast Alaska.

“After decades of deferred maintenance and service instability, Alaska’s coastal communities need a Marine Highway that works,” Peterson said.

Tlingit & Haida is encouraging the Governor, Alaska’s Congressional Delegation and coastal legislators to work together to ensure AMHS funding is directed toward the vessels, terminals and connections most essential to the system’s long-term reliability.

“Where funding can be redirected or project priorities reconsidered, we encourage the State to prioritize critical repairs at Skagway and improvements to the Prince Rupert terminal and connection,” Peterson said.

Tlingit & Haida expressed its appreciation for the continued advocacy on behalf of the Marine Highway and its commitment to working with state and federal leaders to strengthen the system for coastal communities for generations to come.