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Ketchikan Gateway Borough backs reestablishing ferry link to Prince Rupert; asks staff to explore Hyder option
Summary
The borough assembly voted to join Southeast Conference in seeking restoration of Alaska Marine Highway ferry service to Prince Rupert and asked staff to return with a separate proposal exploring Hyder as an alternative connection to the BC road network.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly voted April 7 to join Southeast Conference in seeking restoration of regular Alaska Marine Highway ferry service to Prince Rupert, passing Resolution 3-116 after public comments from long-time ferry users and residents.
The assembly’s action follows months of testimony and discussion at public comment from residents who urged the borough to press the state and federal partners to reestablish vehicle ferry access to the British Columbia road network. Assemblymember Glenn Thompson moved the resolution; the roll call recorded six ayes and no nos for adoption.
Why it matters: restoral of a Ketchikan–Prince Rupert vehicle link would reconnect Southeast Alaska to the BC highway network for people and freight, advocates said, and is a focus of Southeast Conference’s regional economic planning. Some residents urged the borough to also pursue Hyder, Alaska — a U.S. port of entry adjacent to Stewart, B.C. — arguing Hyder could avoid international permitting and Buy America waiver complications.
During public comment, several residents recounted repeated ferry trips to Prince Rupert and described potential operational and cost advantages for Hyder. James (Jim) Dahl and Mary Lynn Dahl, who said they travel frequently to Prince Rupert, requested the assembly add Hyder to its position so the borough would keep multiple options open. Al Jacobson and others also spoke in support of reestablishing road access via a ferry link.
On the floor, Assemblymember Bowling proposed an amendment to add Hyder wherever Prince Rupert was mentioned in the resolution. That amendment was withdrawn after debate: some assembly members said Hyder warrants its own focused resolution rather than being added here, while others urged the borough to pursue every viable route. After the ordinance vote the assembly explicitly directed staff to prepare a separate resolution or follow-up focused on Hyder; the chair confirmed staff would return with that proposal.
What the resolution does: the approved text recognizes the long-standing economic, social and cultural ties between Southeast Alaska and Prince Rupert and authorizes joining regional work — led by Southeast Conference — to pursue reestablishing regular vehicle ferry service. The motion included a formal request that the borough participate in, and support, outreach to state and federal partners to pursue funding and required approvals.
Details and next steps: assembly members and speakers repeatedly referenced recent Alaska Marine Highway Operations Board (AMHOB) meetings, a request for Buy America waivers tied to the Prince Rupert option, and state Department of Transportation feasibility work on Hyder. The assembly asked staff to bring back a Hyder-focused proposal; members said any follow-up should include cost estimates for differing terminal locations, potential vessel equipment (SOLAS/SOLAS-equipment) implications, and regulatory or Customs/Border Protection issues for cross-border routing.
Quotes: “At a minimum, including Hyder as an option along with Prince Rupert will keep all of your options open,” Mary Lynn Dahl told the assembly, urging the borough not to limit its advocacy. Assemblymember Thompson said the borough should reestablish its historical connection with Prince Rupert but signaled support for a separate Hyder effort: "I will support prioritizing a separate resolution for a ferry system in Hyder.”
Where this goes next: staff will draft and return with a Hyder-specific measure and with supporting research where possible; the borough’s participation in Southeast Conference activities on Prince Rupert moves forward immediately under the passed resolution. Funding, terminal ownership questions, and federal buy-in were not resolved at the meeting and will require further state, federal and tribal coordination.
Ending: Assembly members framed the vote as reopening a stalled regional effort to restore an essential transportation link. They emphasized that further technical work and intergovernmental negotiation remains necessary before any terminal or route is fixed.
