ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Governor Sean Parnell announced yesterday that his Fiscal Year 2013 budget includes $60 million for construction of the new Alaska Class Ferry. A total of $120 million is available to begin construction of the new ferry in the next fiscal year.

“Alaskans rely on a safe, reliable marine highway system,” Governor Parnell said. “This new vessel marks the next generation of ferries to serve communities across Alaska.”

Four of the current Alaska Marine Highway vessels were built before 1964. The aging fleet has greatly increased the operating and maintenance costs to the Alaska Marine Highway System.

Earlier this year, the State of Alaska selected Alaska Ship & Drydock (ASD) in Ketchikan as the construction manager and general contractor for the new Alaska Class Ferry, and is working to finish the design of the new ferry. Once the design is complete, ASD will be given the first opportunity to submit a bid and negotiate a contract to build the ferry.

Source: Office of Governor Parnell