House Republicans seek to shift focus from ferries

By BECKY BOHRER
Associated Press
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – Some House Republicans are pushing back against the time being spent hearing from Alaskans on the impacts of proposed budget cuts on the state’s ferry system.

Hundreds of people signed up to testify before the House Transportation Committee, which has heard hours of public testimony. The small committee room, at times, was standing room only, with a nearby room opened for overflow.

In a release, Anchorage Republican Rep. Sara Rasmussen said rather than spending hours “fixated on one government system,” time and resources should be invested in “modern infrastructure,” such as a road that would help connect Juneau with the state road system. Alternatives weighed for the road previously included some type of ferry service.

Under the budget proposed by Gov. Mike Dunleavy, no ferries are scheduled after Oct. 1.