The State of Alaska has launched efforts to dispose of its oldest ferry, the Matanuska ferry, as part of a plan to cut costs and address a $78 million budget shortfall.
Officials say maintaining the vessel is no longer financially viable, with repair costs potentially exceeding $132 million.
Built in 1963 in Seattle, the 408-foot ferry has been out of regular service for several years and is now being offered for disposal as the state looks to reduce costs and manage a budget shortfall.
A 2022 inspection revealed extensive steel corrosion and asbestos concerns, requiring at least 125,000 pounds of steel replacement.
Per reports, around 125,000 pounds of steel would need replacement. Estimates to bring the vessel back to service range from at least $45 million for regional operations to as much as $132 million if it were to meet international standards.
Given these figures, state staff have said restoring the vessel is not
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