Fast Ferry Rates Teleconference During Sea Trials

Valdez Star Continued: "Fast Ferry Rates Teleconference During Sea Trials
FERRY TERMINAL- The fast ferry M/V Chenega, sans passengers, made its first call to Valdez Tuesday morning as part of its sea trials with its the newly formed crew.
Scheduling of the new ferry has been the cause of much consternation in Prince William Sound. First it missed its target date to begin servicing ports between Cordova, Valdez and Whittier due to a lack of a crew. Outrage later replaced indignation and emotions exploded among community leaders and business people in the area when it was announced the ferry be moved out of the area for the winter months.
The matter has been so contentious that state officials with the Alaska Marine Highway have scheduled a pair of teleconferences to take public comments on its proposed operating plan for the coming year. The teleconferences will be held on Thursday, August 11. Comments on the Southeast portion of the operating plan will be taken from 10 a.m. to noon, and on the part covering Southcentral, Prince William Sound, and Southwest Alaska from 2:00 to 4 p.m. The toll-free number for both teleconferences is 1-800-315-6338, with conference code 3902#. Public comments may also be submitted online.
A complete package of information on the schedule may be found online at: www.ferryalaska.com , according to the state. "