The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities proposed Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) schedule for fall, winter and spring 2017-2018 is now available for public review. Scheduled service is similar to last year’s service, and is designed to meet community service needs while staying within available funding and maintaining vessel regulatory and safety standards.

Communities and interested people can review and comment on the proposed schedule until July 30. With the timing of the budget, the public comment period is slightly shorter than those in recent years, to allow the public sufficient lead time to make reservations for sailings that begin on Oct. 1.

The draft schedule is based on established community service needs and events. It is available online with accompanying documents at dot.alaska.gov/amhs/share/schedule/considerations.pdf.

Written comments will be accepted on or before July 30 iva email at dot.amhs.comments@alaska.gov and by fax at 907-228-6874.

A teleconference to hear comments and consider adjustments is scheduled for 10 a.m. July 31 for Southeast schedules and at 1:30 p.m. for Southwest and Southcentral schedules. The toll-free number to participate in either teleconference is 515-604-9000, access code 279613.