Second ferry run to Alaska may continue

BELLINGHAM – A second weekly ferry run between Bellingham and Alaska has been tentatively scheduled this fall by Alaska Marine Highway officials.

The second run, now only offered during the summer, could be a way to add money to the cash-strapped ferry system, Alaska officials told the Bellingham Herald.

Winter ridership has increased. And the lack of a second sailing deters tourists who might be riders, said Steve Jilk, director of marine service for the Port of Bellingham.

Some truck drivers also have expressed interest in using the ferry as an alternative to the highway, said Tom Briggs, Alaska ferry director.

“We’re turning people away,” Briggs said.

The ferry system runs vessels from Bellingham to Alaska on Tuesdays and Fridays from May to September, but cuts the Tuesday run during the offseason.

Increased fuel and labor costs have left an estimated $20 million shortfall in the 2005 budget for the Alaska Marine Highway.

Ferry officials will have to determine whether there’s enough demand to cover added costs. A final decision is expected later this month, Briggs said.

Alaska officials and the city of Bellingham also tentatively agreed to a new five-year contract. The previous agreement is set to expire in October.

To help cover port costs, ferry officials last month agreed to increase the current annual payment of about $460,000 by 2 percent.

Final agreement is expected Oct. 1.