Some lawmakers were scrambling to make travel plans when they found out the Matanuska would not be back in service before the new year as planned.
"MV Matanuska"
Alaska Marine Highway announces 3rd week without service to Upper Lynn Canal
Alaska lawmakers are also affected by the ferry service gap. About two dozen vehicles for state legislators and their staff are stuck in Haines.
Cash-strapped marine highway will take Alaska’s largest ferry out of service
Alaska state transportation officials confirmed that the MV Columbia will not sail past Sept. 4. The state plans to assign the ferry’s 62 crew members to other vessels.