"An Act relating to the Alaska Railroad workforce development scholarship program."

As the Alaska Railroad continues its important role in the development of Alaska's economy through continually improving infrastructure, it is critical that qualified Alaskans be available to fill manpower needs of the railroad.

SB 237 requires the Alaska Railroad to establish, administer and annually fund a workforce development scholarship program with $1.2 million of railroad funds. This would be applied toward in-state study for vocational programs or postsecondary education.

The scholarships would be for study in fields related to railroad operation; this could include any field from accounting to welding.

SB 237 establishes that the scholarship program is "railroad and related purpose" as set by the federal legislation which originally transferred the Alaska Railroad to the state.

You can't spend a bad dollar on education. SB 237 is a win-win situation for the Alaska Railroad and Alaska's high school graduates. The Alaska Railroad will benefit from ready access to graduates with the specific skills needed in railroad operation, while Alaska students will gain an additional source of funds for continuing education for Alaskans in Alaska.

# # #