Robert Woolsey

SITKA, ALASKA (2008-05-15) Representatives from Sitka went into a full-court press to try and win better ferry service for the community next winter, but received little in the way of assurances from state marine transportation officials. The department of transportation held a one-and-a-half hour teleconference this morning (Thu 5-15-08) on the proposed 2008 fall/winter schedule for Southeast Alaska. Testimony from Sitka dominated the proceedings.

Robert Woolsey

SITKA, ALASKA (2008-05-14) The Sitka assembly took a first look at some innovative options for development on the benchlands at its regular meeting last night (Tue 5-13-08), but struggled with how to fund them.

Melissa Marconi Wentzel

SITKA, ALASKA (2008-05-14) The fast ferry Fairweather pulled into port at 12:30 PM Monday (5/12), and Sitka dignitaries were there to meet it. They turned out to celebrate the Alaska Marine Highway’s summer schedule – being hailed as the best the city has seen in years. And the star of the schedule is the Fairweather, which will sail between Sitka and Juneau 5 days a week.

Melissa Marconi Wentzel

SITKA, ALASKA (2008-05-14) The City of Sitka is hoping the Alaska Marine Highway will re-think its draft fall-winter-spring schedule. Officials are calling the schedule “a new low in service to Sitka”. As it now stands, travel to and from Sitka will require layovers of up to a week. Sitka will see four vessels a week until March. The fast ferry Fairweather will connect Sitka to Juneau on Mondays and Fridays, the mainliners Taku and Columbia will make stops on Tuesdays, the Taku traveling northbound and the Columbia southbound. Beginning in March, the Fairweather will be put into drydock and Sitka service will be down to the two mainliners once a week.