Alaska lawmakers approve $66.7M for ferry service funding

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – The Alaska Legislature has approved a $66.7 million budget appropriation that lawmakers said should keep the Alaska Marine Highway System running for the year.

Legislators increased the operating budget for the state’s ferry service by around $20 million over the previous year, CoastAlaska reported Monday.

An estimated 42% of the overall $122 million ferry budget is expected to come from ticket sales for passengers, vehicles and freight.

The appropriation should guarantee at least one ferry is available as relief if another vessel breaks down, Republican state Sen. Bert S...