I'm actually sad to see the M/V Susitna go.  Yes, the brainchild of Sen. Ted Stevens looks like a "pork barrel" project today, however in my opinion the plan failed due to the departure of "Uncle Ted" and the lack of political vision by the city fathers of Anchorage.  Sen. Stevens knew that all major bridges across bodies of water in the USA have been preceded by a ferry...everywhere.  A ferry establishes the infrastructure and potentially the need for a bridge.  Had this ferry gone into operation we wouldn't be guessing about the bridge connection between Anchorage and Port MacKenzie, we'd know.