(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) is proposing a reconnaissance study to evaluate the feasibility of constructing and operating a new ferry terminal in Hyder, Alaska. The proposed $250,000 project, identified in the Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) Amendment #2 as Project ID 34749.

Restoring ferry service between Alaska and British Columbia has been a priority for regional communities. However, significant regulatory complexities involving international SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) vessel standards, as well as compliance with the Build America, Buy America Act, have presented barriers to resuming service directly to Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

Commissioner Ryan Anderson stated, "A Hyder ferry terminal could restore key links to British Columbia while bypassing complex international regulations and funding constraints. We are committed to collaborating with stakeholders in Hyder, Stewart, Prince Rupert, and the Southeast Conference to explore this opportunity."

Local support for a Hyder ferry connection has been strong, with communities on both sides of the border emphasizing significant economic and social benefits, including increased tourism and improved access to essential services and infrastructure.

The STIP, including the Hyder Ferry Terminal Reconnaissance Study, is open for public comment through Thursday, March 20, 2025. Other notable projects include:

• Sterling Highway MP 45-60 Cooper Landing Bypass
• Glenn Highway Long Lake Realignment
• AMHS Ferry and Terminal Construction Projects
• Seward Highway MP 98.5-112 Bird Flats to McHugh Creek
• Yukon Kuskokwim Frontier Road Construction
• Dalton Highway Mileposts 0-9, 18-37, 109-144, and 305-335 Reconstruction Projects

Stakeholders and residents are encouraged to participate and submit comments on the Alaska DOT&PF STIP website. For additional information and to comment on the STIP, visit: dot.alaska.gov/stip.

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The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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