The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is ending service to Prince Rupert.
The State of Alaska made the announcement in a news release issued Wednesday afternoon, saying the decision was made due to the failure to secure a “Canadian law enforcement presence to protect CBP’s [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] personnel in Prince Rupert.
The new requirement specifies a Canadian law enforcement presence with the ability to make arrests in Canada.
CBP began requiring a Canadian law enforcement presence in Prince Rupert last spring, but AMHS was granted a waiver through to the end of September.
State officials say the Alaska Marine Highway worked with City of Prince Rupert and the RCMP to meet the new requirement, but say the necessary staff were not available.
The ferry service is scheduled to end October 1.
