A map of southern Southeast shows the route taken by the IFA ferry. (IFA image)
Local veterans riding the Inter-Island Ferry Authority will benefit from a federal Department of Veterans Affairs grant recently awarded to the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
According to the IFA, the grant allows veterans to travel free on the ferry when that travel is in conjunction with health care needs.
Area veterans who wish to take advantage of the service will need identification showing that they are qualified. That can be an Alaska driver’s license with a VA endorsement, an Armed Forces of the United States retiree card, a VA healthcare card or a VA Veteran’s Choice card.
Travel under this program applies to the IFA’s daily service between Prince of Wales Island and Ketchikan; and upcoming sailings between Metlakatla and Ketchikan while the state ferry Lituya undergoes annual maintenance.
The IFA will fill in for the Lituya Jan. 11 through Feb. 18th. The Thursday-through-Monday runs to Metlakatla will depart Ketchikan at 11:30 a.m.; and will leave Metlakatla at 1 p.m. The ride lasts about 45 minutes.
