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Session: State Capitol, Room 115 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2095 Fax: (907) 465-3810 Send E-Mail Interim: 716 W 4th Avenue, Suite 520 Anchorage, AK 99501-2133 Phone: (907) 269-0240 Fax: (907) 269-0242 |
for Alaska Railroad Track
Realignment and Upgrade will Enhance Safety and Efficiency
| For Immediate Release: February 1, 2000 | |
| Contact: | Senator Loren Leman at (907) 465-2095. |
Juneau - Legislation introduced Tuesday by Senator Loren Leman (R-Anchorage) authorizes the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to enter into several land-exchange agreements that will enable an upgrade and realignment of railroad track.
"Senate Bill 235 will allow the ARRC to improve safety and efficiency of its operations by upgrading and realigning its track to reduce 70 sharp curves between Anchorage and Wasilla," stated Senator Leman. "This project will lessen the risk of train derailments by eliminating dangerous curves, and it will reduce the running time between Anchorage and Wasilla from 95 minutes to under 55 minutes. This will make rail commuter service between Mat-Su and Anchorage a viable transportation alternative."
SB 235 authorizes the ARRC to exchange land with the Department of the Army; the Department of the Air Force; the Municipality of Anchorage; Eklutna, Inc.; and the Chugach Alaska Corporation. Construction costs for the improvements are estimated at $45 to $50 million, and will be financed using a combination of federal funds and ARRC operating revenues. The legislation also authorizes a land exchange at Mile 14 on the Seward Highway to allow the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities to proceed with a highway improvement project.
Senator Leman noted several advantages associated with the realignment project: "Straighter track allows safer operations because of less track and equipment wear, consistency in train handling, greater sight distance, and reduced maintenance requirements. Train gridlock will be reduced, and more jobs for Alaskans will be created through construction and additional freight and passenger service. More importantly for the communities neighboring the railroad tracks, this project includes upgrades to vehicle crossings and public access amenities that will enhance safety."
The proposed track realignment and improvement between Anchorage and Wasilla is supported by the Alaska Visitors Association, Palmer Chamber of Commerce, Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Wasilla.
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