Skagway assembly presses state after ferry float failure disrupts service

Mayor Hanson opened the meeting by reporting a failure of the state-owned ferry float and abutment that has taken Skagway’s state ferry out of service.

"The abutment broke, and now we're without service. I'm deeply sorry this happened," the mayor said, describing long-standing concerns about deterioration and plans that were in place for chain replacement and refurbishment. He said the Alaska Marine Highway System had issued an RFP and crews were on site removing ramps while state divers and engineers developed a repair plan.

At the meeting Manager Deetsch said the state acted quickly to send technical teams and that staff are pursuing interim passenger access. He said the Fast Ferry is operating on its scheduled route through Sept. 25 and the municipality has arranged a shuttle from downtown to the ferry terminal (about four miles from downtown Haines) while additional options are explored. "We’ll try to find viable solutions for walk-on passengers to get to Haines," he said.

Assembly members pressed for details on timelines and contingency costs. Potter and others urged sustained pressure on the state, noting the float’s deterioration had been documented for years and arguing the municipality has borne operational disruptions and contingency costs.

The assembly did not adopt a formal resolution on the issue at the meeting. Manager Deetsch said the state will provide timelines as repairs are scoped and that the municipality will continue to coordinate interim passenger options and relay updates to residents and seasonal users.