Juneau -- Saturday the Alaska House passed SJR 38, sponsored by Senator Gary Wilken (R-Fairbanks). This resolution is intended to show the legislature's resolve for conducting a joint United States-Canada feasibility study on extending the North American rail system through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory to Alaska.

The resolution marks a strong effort by both legislative houses to get this effort passed - a fact recognized by Senator Wilken. "Representative James has been the engineer of this project and I am pleased to climb aboard to support her great efforts," said Wilken. "Connecting Alaska to the lower 48 states by way of our Canadian neighbors is a smart way to advance our state's growing transportation infrastructure."

The resolution recognizes that rail transportation is an essential component of the North American transportation system as well as the cleanest, most cost-effective way to convey overland freight long-distances.

"Senator Frank Murkowski has introduced federal legislation to obtain funding for a joint U.S. - Canadian commission to perform this study," said Representative Jeannette James (R-North Pole). "There are incalculable benefits for linking our rail systems for developing both countries' natural resources, agriculture, tourism and other value-added industries."

Attachments:

• Sponsor Statement
• Rail Link Conference Information

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