The M/V Tustumena (Courtesy: Nancy Heise)

With the state ferry Tustumena nearing the end of its life, the Department of Transportation is looking to build a bigger boat -- and they want communities on the ferry's route to weigh in on the design.

The DOT announced today that they'll hold public meetings on the Tustumena replacement next month in Unalaska, Kodiak and Homer.

The state expects to replace the Tustumena with the new, longer boat in the next few years. The proposed 325-foot vessel would carry more vehicles and passengers and would be designed for a smoother ride.

The state is taking comments on the plan through the end of May. They'll use the public meetings to go over the design in detail and field questions. The meeting in Unalaska is on May 19. Kodiak’s meeting is on May 21, and Homer’s is on May 22. People in other ports where the ferry stops can call in to the meeting closest to them.

Details on the meetings and the full text of the ferry replacement plan are online for comment here.