(JUNEAU) - Five delegates of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER) were in Juneau this week promoting a railroad connection between the US and Canada.

Senator Fred Dyson (R-Eagle River), the current President of PNWER, Alaska Governor Murkowski, and Yukon Premier Fentie pointed out benefits of a North - South corridor that would link Alaska to the Canadian and lower forty eight infrastructure. Such a railroad right-of-way could also incorporate a gas pipeline and a fiber optic cable that would ultimately be a huge boon to Alaskans. Canada is by far the largest trading partner the United States has, but Alaska and the Yukon have been behind because we are not linked to the infrastructure to and from the bigger market.

"We're the two best friends in the world; Canada and the U.S. There is no reason that I can see why we don't work together to accomplish this goal that is so clearly in our respective nation's best interest. Talk is cheap! That is why PNWER has a commitment to gather leaders and experts from the Northwest jurisdictions as often as we can to build relationships and be the catalyst by coordinating our projects of mutual interest," said Dyson.

PNWER's mission is to increase the economic well-being and quality of life for all citizens of the region; to coordinate provincial and state policies throughout the region; to identify and promote "models of success;" and to serve as a conduit to exchange information. PNWER consists of delegates from Alaska, Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

Nearly 200 people attended the Alaska Rail Conference held yesterday at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau. The conference was only a first in keeping the lines of discussion and communication open between Canada and Alaska.

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