(JUNEAU, Alaska) –The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) M/V Tustumena will begin service to Old Harbor, Alaska Monday, June 18, 2012.

“I am proud that AMHS is able to provide ferry service to another Alaskan community,” said Michael Neussl, Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Deputy Commissioner for Marine Operations.

Old Harbor, located on the southeast coast of Kodiak Island, is about 70 air miles from the city of Kodiak, Alaska. The community becomes the thirty-fifth AMHS port of call and the thirty-third community in Alaska to receive direct ferry service. It is also the second community to be added to the Alaska Marine Highway System in 2012; the M/V Tustumena began calling on Ouzinkie, Alaska in April.

“Communities comment almost every day about the importance of a reliable transportation system for economic development and community sustainability,” said Neussl, “AMHS is pleased to provide that opportunity to the residents and visitors of Old Harbor.”

During the 2012 summer season the M/V Tustumena will call on Old Harbor four times while sailing either to or from the city of Kodiak as part of the Aleutian Chain run. The port call dates are June 18, June 28, August 13 and August 23. 

The one-way adult passenger fare from Old Harbor to Kodiak has been set at $44. Travelers are encouraged to make reservations in advance either online at FerryAlaska.com, by calling 1-800-642-0066, or visiting the ferry terminal staff in Kodiak or elsewhere throughout the system.  Additional fare information is available online or from reservations agents.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries serving 35 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of DOT&PF is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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