Budget change slashes Marine Exchange funds - Juneau Empire: "Budget change slashes Marine Exchange funds
Juneau-based nonprofit tracks vessels in state's busiest waterways
By Pat Forgey | JUNEAU EMPIRE
The cruise ship Empress of the North struck a rock west of Juneau in 2007, sending public and private vessels racing to help. But few ships could carry its 281 passengers and crew.
The state ferry Columbia was out of radio contact at the time, on the other side of Admiralty Island. But Coast Guard officers coordinating the rescue from Juneau tracked its position through the Marine Exchange, and quickly diverted it to the scene.
The Columbia collected the passengers from the fleet of fishing, tug, tour and rescue vessels and brought them safely to Auke Bay.
Gov. Sarah Palin has proposed cutting state funding for the Marine Exchange, the Juneau-based nonprofit that operates vessel tracking stations in the state's busiest.... http://juneauempire.com/stories/022509/loc_398388760.shtml
Juneau-based nonprofit tracks vessels in state's busiest waterways
By Pat Forgey | JUNEAU EMPIRE
The cruise ship Empress of the North struck a rock west of Juneau in 2007, sending public and private vessels racing to help. But few ships could carry its 281 passengers and crew.
The state ferry Columbia was out of radio contact at the time, on the other side of Admiralty Island. But Coast Guard officers coordinating the rescue from Juneau tracked its position through the Marine Exchange, and quickly diverted it to the scene.
The Columbia collected the passengers from the fleet of fishing, tug, tour and rescue vessels and brought them safely to Auke Bay.
Gov. Sarah Palin has proposed cutting state funding for the Marine Exchange, the Juneau-based nonprofit that operates vessel tracking stations in the state's busiest.... http://juneauempire.com/stories/022509/loc_398388760.shtml