(JUNEAU, Alaska) – The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS), is inviting Alaskans to participate in six community engagement meetings scheduled across coastal Alaska. The goal of the public meetings is to lead a constructive dialogue around the fiscal challenges that face AMHS.

All state agencies are working with reduced operating budgets due to low oil prices. This will impact all modes of transportation. For Alaskans who rely on the ferry system, current budget reductions will directly impact AMHS operations.

These meetings are an opportunity for Alaskans to hear from department officials, ask questions and present potential solutions regarding short and long-term operating possibilities for AMHS.

Six meetings have been scheduled at following times and locations:

• Sitka: Nov. 24, 12 - 2 p.m. at Sealing Cove Business Center, 601 Alice Loop Rd.
• Ketchikan: Dec. 2, 3 - 5 p.m. at Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly Chambers
• Cordova: Dec. 7, 5 - 7 p.m. at City of Cordova Council Chambers
• Kodiak: Dec. 8, 6 - 8 p.m. at Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Chambers
• Juneau: Dec. 15, 6 - 8 p.m. at Juneau City and Borough Assembly Chambers
• Haines: Dec. 16, 5 - 7 p.m. at Haines Borough Assembly Chambers

Each meeting will also be available via teleconference for anyone who cannot attend in person. The toll free number to participate is: 1-800-315-6338, conference code 03902#. The line will open five minutes prior to the scheduled start time for each meeting.

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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