"Reuben Yost"

Could the firing of three top state transportation officials put the Alaska Marine Highway at risk? That’s what some ferry supporters are asking.

Marine highway officials say closing the shops will save $1 million a year.

The state hopes to award a contract for construction of the vessels to a shipyard this summer.

New Lynn Canal shuttle ferries will be 280 feet long, seat about 300 passengers and operate no more than 12 hours a day. Part, but not all, of the car deck may be open. And the ships will have no staterooms or crew quarters.

Juneau’s Reuben Yost is the new chief of the state ferry system. But he’ll spend only about half his time on that job.