CAPITOL CHRISTMAS TREE 2024 VISITS KETCHIKAN AND CONTINUES ITS JOURNEY!
We’re delighted to share that the 2024 Capitol Christmas Tree, a 74-foot Sitka Spruce affectionately named Spruce Wayne, made its way through Ketchikan on its journey to Washington, D.C.! Harvested from the Tongass National Forest near Wrangell, Alaska, this impressive tree is only the second Capitol Christmas Tree to come from Alaska—the first being a 23-meter-tall Lutz Spruce selected from the Chugach National Forest in 2015.
After departing from Ketchikan, Spruce Wayne continued south and is currently traveling through Oregon on its whistle-stop tour across the country. Thanks to the efforts of Lynden Transport, this Alaskan beauty is making stops in communities along the way, spreading holiday cheer with each visit.
Sitka Spruces, like Spruce Wayne, are celebrated for their grandeur and resilience. Native to Alaska’s coastal forests, these trees symbolize strength and natural beauty, with some of the tallest examples in North America. This year’s tree is truly an ambassador of Alaska’s wilderness, bringing a piece of our state’s forested beauty to the heart of the nation.
Our Ketchikan terminal agent, Kim Reber, and her family had the privilege of seeing Spruce Wayne up close, capturing memorable photos to mark this special occasion. We’ll be sharing these photos soon so you can join us in celebrating!
Want to follow Spruce Wayne on the rest of its journey to the U.S. Capitol? Track its real-time location here: Capitol Christmas Tree Tracker.
What a wonderful way to start this holiday season!
FARE INCREASE 2025: SUPPORTING A SUSTAINABLE AND INDEPENDENT IFA
Beginning in January 2025, the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) will implement a fare increase across all routes. This change reflects our commitment to strengthening the IFA’s service for the future by addressing rising operational costs, reducing reliance on state funding, and supporting essential community programs.
Why is the Fare Increase Necessary?
The fare increase will help the IFA:
- Reduce Dependence on State Funding: Fare adjustments allow us to rely less on fluctuating state support, creating a more resilient and stable operation.
- Address Rising Costs: Like many transportation services, the IFA faces increasing costs in areas such as fuel, vessel maintenance, and safety upgrades, all critical to keeping our ferries safe and dependable.
- Invest in Community Programs: The IFA proudly offers discounted fares for school trips, support for veterans, and additional programs benefiting our passengers and local communities. Fare revenue helps us maintain and expand these services.
Fare Contribution Breakdown
Every fare contributes to maintaining the quality and availability of our service. Here’s a breakdown of what your fare supports:
- Payroll and Staffing: Ensures competitive wages and consistent staffing levels, keeping ferry schedules running smoothly and efficiently.
- Safety and Maintenance Upgrades: Regular maintenance and safety checks are vital to providing safe, reliable journeys.
- Community Programs: Discounts and special rates, including 20% off for school trips, 50% disability discounts, and grants for veterans, are sustained through fare revenue.
Impact in Numbers:
Over the past five years, the IFA’s operational costs have increased steadily. However, our community programs, including the youth discount alone, provided over $120,000 in savings to schools between 2019 and 2024, benefiting over 16,000 school passengers. By adjusting fares, we can continue to offer these programs while remaining financially sustainable.
INTER-ISLAND FERRY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES FY2024 VETERAN'S TRAVEL GRANT VEHICLE TRAVEL AUTHORIZED 2/1
We are thrilled to announce that the Highly Rural Travel Grant for Veterans Traveling for Healthcare has been awarded to the State of Alaska once again! We are honored to continue offering this vital service to our veteran community.
Starting February 1st, we’ll be accepting walk-on fares and vehicle fares under this grant!
For Veterans traveling with an escort, make sure to obtain an authorization form from Forrest Powell, our dedicated Grant Administrator, at 907-334-0872 or forrest.powell@alaska.gov.
It’s a privilege for us to provide this essential service to our veterans, and we can’t wait to welcome you all aboard soon.
Thank you for your service!
Click here for an appointment card
INTER-ISLAND FERRY AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES FY2024 VETERAN'S TRAVEL GRANT RENEWAL
We are thrilled to announce that the Highly Rural Travel Grant for Veterans Traveling for Healthcare has been awarded to the State of Alaska once again! We are honored to continue offering this vital service to our veteran community.
Starting September 15th, we’ll be accepting walk-on fares under this grant. Please note that vehicle transport will be temporarily unavailable, but we’ll keep you updated as the year progresses regarding when vehicles will be allowed again.
For Veterans traveling with an escort, make sure to obtain a reauthorization form from Forrest Powell, our dedicated Grant Administrator, at 907-334-0872 or forrest.powell@alaska.gov. Because this is a new grant cycle, all of the FY2023 Escort Authorizations have expired. Please be sure to talk to Forrest to get those renewed before travel!
It’s a privilege for us to provide this essential service to our veterans, and we can’t wait to welcome you all aboard soon.
Thank you for your service!
