DATE
STUDY
OVERALL SUMMARY
ASSUMPTIONS
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAIRS
April 1988
The Alaska Railroad and its Future
Proposed development of the Alaska Railroad to provide a transportation system that will aid the economic stability of Alaska.
1. The Alaska Railroad Corporation Act of 1984 charged the state with the responsibility of developing the railroad but gave it no clear guidelines.
2. A rail system provides the best year-round surface transportation network.
3. Expansion of the rail lines would result in substantial economies to serviced areas, but there are obstacles to rail corridors which create great impediments to expansion.
4. The railroad should not be sold but maintained in a state of readiness for sale to a private entity to ensure that it will be continued to be operated profitably.
5. The management of the railroad deserves high marks for operating within their revenues, working with the union, and safety upgrades.1. The legislature should amend the existing legislation to provide the clear guidelines needed to manage this entity.
2. The legislature should create an Alaska Development Board to work in conjunction with the railroad's board of directors to propose extensions and more effective land use.
3. The railroad should not even be considered for sale prior to January 6, 1990.
4. The board of directors should be free of politicization and consist of individuals with proven state-wide business acumen.
5. The Corporation Act should be amended to allow for long-term leases in excess of 35 years and management should continue to improve the marketing arm of the Corporation.Loren Lounsbury, Frank Danner
