(Juneau) - Representative Bill Thomas (R-Haines) has returned from a trip to Cordova over the weekend for the Iceworm Festival and heard the concerns residents have about the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS).

"I spent the weekend talking to people in Cordova and other Southeast towns and I continue to hear praise about the ferry services they've been receiving," said Representative Thomas. "But I also hear concern that when the summer tourism picks up, they want to be sure that the ferry system is there to carry people to and from coastal towns."

Representative Thomas said Alaskans have also expressed to him that they have trouble reading and deciphering the on-line schedule put out by the Marine Highway System. "They tell me they cannot read the schedule easily, and I believe AMHS needs to communicate better with the people. The public deserves a reliable, common sense ferry schedule."

Increased fuel and other major costs associated with AMHS are additional concerns of Representative Thomas. "Alaskans need to feel that the Marine Highway System is accessible and responsive to their needs. Otherwise, it would be easy for AMHS to get out of favor with the citizens of the state."

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