Submit a public comment

2045 AMHS Long-Range Plan

AMHS is a lifeline service, an essential part of life for people and communities across Alaska, Canada, and the 'Lower 48'. We are working toward a more efficient, resilient, and connective service that can better serve the state's residents and visitors. As we envision the future of AMHS, we are thinking about the sustained and growing needs of our users, as well as future infrastructural opportunities and challenges.

As the plan has developed, four key focus areas have been identified: service, workforce, fleet and terminal infrastructure, financial efficiency and sustainability. Each focus area will have its own set of goals, strategies, and performance metrics to support the 2045 vision.

The AMHS Long-Range Plan sets out to guide the operation and management of AMHS fleet and terminal infrastructure for the next 20 years. The Plan does the following:

- Reviews existing planning initiatives and inputs.
- Highlights existing and future opportunities for engagement.
- Identifies future service scenarios for AMHS served communities - Process detailed in the section below.
- Identifies the supporting workforce and infrastructure needs to implement scenarios.
- Outlines a capital replacement plan for our fleet and shoreside facilities.
- Offers recommendations for future resiliency and sustainability efforts.

Plan Development Timeline

This timeline illustrates the steps in the process toward finalizing the Long-Range Plan document.

Project development kicked off in Fall of 2022. Since then, work on the Plan has been developed as a collaboration between the planning team, AMHS and DOT&PF leadership, staff and crew, and community members from across Coastal Alaska. With all of this input, the team developed a service scenario that reflects the desire for an improved, more reliable service by 2045.

Draft Plan for Review:

The final 2045 AMHS Long-Range Plan is now out for public review and comment. The public comment period will be open for 30-days, through March 30th

A public webinar was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, during which we shared details on the plan, walked through the process of reviewing and providing input, and answered questions.

Other Resources:

There have been many opportunities for public involvement through each phase of the process. Here, you’ll find links to past meeting recordings and project resources. These resources will provide insight into different phases of Plan development and lend context to the final plan.

Submit a Public Comment