Report: Ferry system spending had double economic impact

KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) — A newly released study found that every dollar put into the Alaska Marine Highway System has double the economic benefit to Alaska.

According to the study, the ferry system is responsible for 1,017 jobs and indirectly responsible for 683 jobs, which would be for people employed by businesses benefiting from state ferries.

Gov. Bill Walker said in an announcement Thursday that he was "surprised to learn just how widespread the economic impacts are, accounting for 1,700 Alaska jobs and more than $100 million in wages and benefits."