From Station KTUU in Alaska

Murkowski co-sponsors ferry spending bill

Sen. Lisa Murkowski wants a big boost in federal spending on ferry systems. (Courtesy Photo)

by Jason Moore
Wednesday, April 29, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Sen. Lisa Murkowski wants a big boost in federal spending on ferry systems.

Murkowski joined Washington Sen. Patty Murray to introduce a bill that would nearly triple ferry spending to $200 million a year.

Washington State has the largest ferry system in the country, but the Alaska Marine Highway System serves 30 communities along routes totaling more than 3,000 miles.

And Murkowski says the bill would help fund needed improvements.

"The State of Alaska has started their vessel replacement program," Murkowski said. "It's called the Alaska Class, so this funding could help us enormously with the costs of replacing an aging Alaska fleet."

Murkowski showed up at the press conference with crutches, as she is recovering from knee surgery following a skiing accident.

Contact Jason Moore at jmoore@ktuu.com

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