Ferry system back to normal
State ferries returned to their normal schedules after agreement was reached on a contract dispute with striking vessel crew members. Alaska Airlines and southeast barge operators did some fast juggling to take care of people stranded in the recent strike by state ferry workers. In one instance Alaska diverted its Flight 77 (Juneau to Anchorage) to Wrangell to pick up people, making it the first-ever direct Wrangell-to-Anchorage flight. At times up to 225 people and 90 vehicles were stranded in several communities. The state ferry system refunded about $1 million in tickets. One family, attending a fair in Haines, had to pay an unexpected $3,000 in expenses in extra lodging, air fares and payments for barge transportation of a vehicle. A new three-year contract was reached with ferry workers. Terms of the agreement will be released soon, state officials said.

Canada rail line promoted
A2A Rail, a startup, is promoting its idea of a long-distance rail link from the Mat-Su Borough to Alberta with advertisements and materials placed in Alaska newspapers. The company is headed by entrepreneur Sean McCoshen. The project would require new rail built from Fairbanks through Yukon to Alberta. It would carry Canadian heavy oil for shipment to markets from Southcentral Alaska