Support for More Frequent Ferry Service to Gravina Island
June 13, 2014
Ketchikan Gateway Borough
1900 First Avenue
Ketchikan, AK 99901
The Honorable Members of the Assembly and Mayor Kiffer:
I write this letter to express the desire of the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce that ferry service between Ketchikan and Gravina Island be restored to its former summer frequency.
Our Chamber works hard to promote regional economic growth, a climate that is good for both businesses and their employees, and a quality of life that attracts year-round residents. Community access is necessarily a prerequisite to our finding success in any of these areas, and it is our firm belief that growth, investment, and relocation are fostered by the sense that Ketchikan is “open for business.”
The summer months are undoubtedly Ketchikan’s busiest; to not maximize the ferry between Ketchikan and Gravina Island at this time is, in our estimation, a missed opportunity. Why not present our community’s best face to the visitors, seasonal workers, and future residents who choose summertime to come to Alaska? Our community’s limited access to Gravina Island and the Ketchikan International Airport is already a burden. We should be doing all that we can within our power to lessen this burden and facilitate access to and from Ketchikan.
It is understood that at this time there are reasons for the ferry service between Ketchikan and Gravina Island being limited. Our request is that you muster your resources and authority to overcome these obstacles. Ketchikan will thank you for it.
Respectfully,
Chelsea J. Goucher, Executive Director
Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
O: (907) 225-3184
C: (907) 220-2133
E: chelsea@ketchikanchamber.com