A BC Ferries ship is docked at the Prince Rupert ferry terminal. (File photo by Leila Kheiry)
A resolution affirming Ketchikan’s close connection to the community of Prince Rupert, British Columbia, is on Monday’s borough assembly agenda.
The resolution focuses on the need to repair the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry terminal in Prince Rupert. The measure was proposed by assembly members Stephen Bradford and Judith McQuerry. In their sponsor statement, they write that Ketchikan shares commercial, cultural and social opportunities with Prince Rupert. And those opportunities rely on transportation between the communities.
The resolution supports the efforts of Southeast Conference, a regional economic development organization, to get that terminal repaired for continued use by the state ferry system. It also calls for Alaska’s governor to lead a regional delegation to Prince Rupert to explore ways of expanding trade opportunities; and for all state officials to adequately fund continued ferry service to Prince Rupert.
The Alaska Marine Highway System has stopped in Prince Rupert year round for about 30 years.
Also on Monday, the assembly will hold a public hearing and second vote on appropriating about $640,000 in federal and state grants, and about $53,000 in cruise passenger head tax money for new public transit buses and equipment.
Monday’s meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in borough assembly chambers. Public comment will be heard at the start of the meeting.
