Juneau -- Thursday the Alaska Senate voted 19 to 1 to approve Senate Bill 235, legislation authorizing the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to enter into several land-exchange and transfer agreements needed to upgrade and realign railroad track. SB 235 also authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to modify the boundaries of Chugach State Park for the purpose of relocating and widening the Seward Highway.

"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 provides DNR the ability to work with the Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, the Alaska Railroad Corporation, and other utilities to improve the Seward Highway between Potter Station and Girdwood. This bill will also provide for increased safety from avalanche and potential operational problems along one of our state's most traveled highways," noted Representative Lisa Murkowski, who has sponsored identical legislation (HB 362) in the House.

The proposed track realignment and improvement between Anchorage and Wasilla is supported by the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce, Resource Development Council, and the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, and the Alaska Visitors Association.

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement
• Sectional Analysis
• Letters of Support

Broadcasters note: Audio comments are available on the Majority Actuality line, 1-800-478-6540
= Loren Leman, 103 K