Yesterday’s letter to the editor in the Ketchikan Daily News restated the frustration Alaskans feel regarding proposed cut-backs in ferry service in southeast Alaska.

First there were the proposed schedule changes including a 50-percent reduction in ferry service between Alaska and Bellingham, Washington. Then the administration didn’t come out with the summer schedule until February–and everyone knows if you want to travel in the summer, reservations need to be made as early as possible. The net result, obviously, will be a reduction in ferry service for Alaskans–and fewer independent tourists traveling the inside passage during the summer months.

Here are some links for those who would like a history of the Alaska Ferry System as well as a more in-depth look at the present issue:

• June Allen’s history - Alaska’s Deepwater Highway
• Dave Kiffer’s look at the ships of the Alaska Marine Highway System
• The Ketchikan Daily News editorial on new math being used by AMHS
• Anchorage Daily News: New ferry schedule cuts service to Bellingham
• Alaska Marine Highway System home page

Yes, there will be cartoons coming on this. I’m just putting the issue out here to gather your thoughts…