In 2022, SEC joined an Alaska delegation, on a trip to Norway to meet with leaders of Norway’s zero emission vessel ecosystem.  The overarching theme of collaboration shared by all the speakers.

With many geographically remote and isolated communities that cannot be connected via traditional roads, the Marine Highway Systems in Alaska must provide reliable, basic transportation service for passengers and freight to coastal communities, create an economy of scale, and provide cost-effective transportation services. In a coordinated effort to restore, strengthen and expand critical service, investment is needed in a strategic, long-term and shortterm plan that includes bridge capacity support through private sector transportation partnerships. Public and private collaboration can improve reliability, efficiency, affordability and stability. Pursue standardized and appropriately-sized fleet and terminal modernizations that can be realistically and manageably staffed while meeting essential service needs with potential for economic growth to communities. Design the system for a smaller workforce and increased efficiency and automation, to mitigate impacts and constraints faced with limited available personnel. Develop targeted workforce development programs and a schedule for job consistency to reduce turnover. Advocate for State and Federal support of all system components. Strategically and expeditiously pursue and obligate PL 117-58 funds.

Ports and harbors within Southeast communities serve as economic hubs. Advocate for publicly supported and desired port and harbor infrastructure improvements, upgrades and maintenance. Address current user needs while exploring opportunities to develop these facilities beyond traditional uses for maximum public benefit and equitability. Utilize local networks, including private sector, to stimulate modernization investments with the objective of improving the opportunities, reliability, continuation, and effectiveness serving the entire port and harbor network and community. Strengthen the supply chain to reduce the cost of transportation of goods to Southeast Alaska. Include infrastructure for multi-modal transportation methods such as float planes, including floats and fueling stations. Incorporate alternative energy sources/opportunities at ports and harbors.

Southeast Alaska and its supply chain has long benefited from a secondary connection to the contiguous United States through the Canadian Port of Prince Rupert. Establish a secondary port connection to the lower 48. Mitigate the impacts of constrained supply chain through better connection to road and rail as well as connection to services and new opportunities. Allow for alternative supply and market opportunities across Canadian border supply chains and exporting locallymanufactured products into Canada.

Southeast Alaska has been without a current regional transportation plan for the region’s ferries, roads, airports, ports and harbors since the 2004 Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) was published. Work with the State of Alaska to develop a comprehensive, collaborative, multi-modal approach to transportation planning through the regional Southeast Alaska Transportation Plan (SATP) process. Work with federal, state, Tribal, and public and private local stakeholders for full network alignment and coordination. Develop an action plan that will ensure the region’s multimodal transportation system meets the needs of the region’s people and economy.

All transportation types and providers face impacts to operations due to lack of available workforce, causing additional costs, delays and reduced services to communities. Pursue, support and collaborate on workforce development, attraction and retention efforts through improved education, certification/licensing management, marketing and housing development programs. Design programs to gain primary and secondary school-age kids’ interest. Prepare individuals through appropriate and locallyavailable secondary education and increase completion rates. Support accessible, high-quality and modern training programs for professional certifications that are vital to the workforce of the transportation industry.