Project Description

DOT&PF is preparing an environmental document for proposed improvements to ferry terminals in three Prince William Sound communities: Chenega, Cordova, and Tatitlek. These updates, which vary by location, are necessary to maintain critical ferry service to these communities as older ferries are removed from service and replaced by new Alaska Class Ferries (ACFs).

The ferry infrastructure in each community varies, as do the proposed improvements.

The existing Chenega and Tatitlek ferry terminal facilities have fixed-platform docks that only accommodate vessels with attached vehicle ramps; the motor vessel (M/V) Aurora, built in 1977, is the only vessel currently able to serve these facilities. The state’s transition to would require the installation of vehicle transfer systems to operate at these ports.

The Tatitlek ferry terminal facility has a multipurpose dock structure originally constructed in 1995. Improvements in Tatitlek would include the provision of new end-loading ferry terminal structures, including a vehicle transfer bridge and lift towers to support the float, at the location of the existing tidal ramp ferry facility.

The Chenega dock and tidal ramps were originally constructed in 1995. Improvements in Chenega would include a new side-berth ferry terminal facility at the Chenega dock to accommodate the ACF and LeConte class vessels. Improvements would also include a new side-loading ferry terminal structure, including a pile-supported approach dock structure, vehicle transfer bridge, bridge support float, and two mooring dolphins.

Cordova’s original ferry facility was constructed in 1964 and reconstructed in 2006. The existing Cordova ferry terminal facility includes both side and stern berths for Alaska Marine Highway System ferry vessels. The terminal requires mooring dolphin modifications to better accommodate the newly built ACF vessel’s (M/V Hubbard) mooring line system. 

These projects would make improvements to the Chenega, Cordova, and Tatitlek ferry terminals to accommodate the new Alaska Class Ferry (ACF) berthing and home port needs to support continued reliable Alaska Marine Highway ferry service into the future.

The existing Chenega and Tatitlek ferry terminal facilities are fixed platform docks that will only accommodate vessels with attached vehicle ramps (M/V Aurora), which are aging out of service. The ACF will require a vehicle transfer system to be installed at the facility in order to operate at this port.

The existing Cordova ferry terminal facility includes a side berth and stern berth for AMHS ferry vessels. The terminal requires modification to the mooring dolphins to better accommodate the newly built ACF vessel’s (M/V Hubbard) mooring line system.

Prince William Sound is located at the northern end of the Gulf of Alaska, extending over 20,000 square miles composed of roughly half water and half land. Federally owned lands comprise most of the land area, with more than 6 million acres of U.S. Forest Service-managed Chugach National Forest land. Chenega, Cordova, and Tatitlek are remote, and their distance from other communities and lack of road access highlight the need for safe, reliable ferry service.

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