My Turn: Changes lead to better ferry operation
I want to set the record straight in response to Juneau Empire publisher Bob Hale's "Vantage Point" column in Sunday's newspaper regarding our management of the Alaska Marine Highway System.
The move of AMHS headquarters to Ketchikan was not "a bad decision for the wrong reasons." On the contrary, it is a management decision that has been supported and recommended by at least four studies, analyses or management plans of the system going back to 1982, as well as a discussion paper updating the proposal last year.
Change is often difficult to deal with, especially for those who are most directly affected by the change. The changes we are making are necessary for the sake of the system. The marine highway requires a general fund subsidy of about 50 percent of its operating costs - some $40 million. Those costs increase every year. We must reduce the costs in a systematic, responsible way. We cannot run the marine highway system on a cost-plus basis. To absorb increasing costs without decreasing the level of service requires creative thinking, strategic management, and the use of new tools.
To accomplish this objective, we may contract with private carriers for ferry service on some low-traffic routes. Any such contract will be based on standards acceptable to the traveling public. Our objective is to provide a level of service equal to or better than that currently provided in a cost-efficient manner.
However, privatizing the system has never been, and is not now, a consideration of the Murkowski administration. In addition, to suggest that we would allow our vessels to run down to the point that they would not pass Coast Guard certification is simply irresponsible.
We will consolidate operations personnel in Ketchikan to have them closer to the ferries during year-round fleet operations, as well as the vessels' annual maintenance. In fact, we anticipate a very positive synergy being generated by the close proximity to the Ketchikan Shipyard, enhanced communications between ships and shore, and improved logistical support through centralized warehousing, among other benefits. A better connection between AMHS fleet managers and ships' personnel will generate efficiencies, improve communications and provide an all-around better service for ferry users.
We will be moving the majority of those positions to Ketchikan, and if the state workers currently holding those positions want to move to Ketchikan, they may. If they do not, as some have chosen, we will work to find them other positions for which they are qualified elsewhere in state government.
Will the move to Ketchikan be beneficial to that town? Yes. Was the decision to homeport the fast vehicle ferry Fairweather in Juneau instead of Sitka beneficial to Juneau, but not Sitka? Yes. But it was a decision, just like moving the headquarters staff to Ketchikan, which was in the best interest of the marine highway and the traveling public.
The governor must make tough decisions every day. He has not played one city against another, but has provided the kind of leadership that results in growth and better services throughout Alaska and in every community the marine highway serves.
To suggest Gov. Murkowski "dealt ... a crummy hand" to ferry workers is insulting and untrue. And, by the way, this administration does not mix the marine highway system and U.S. congressional politics.
As the capital city's newspaper, the Juneau Empire should be a beacon of positive light on Juneau, Southeast Alaska and the whole state. In this case you were off the beam.
• Mike Barton is the commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.