|
|
|
Session: State Capitol, Room 514 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Forwarded from FBX: 451-5501 Juneau Phone: (907) 465-3709 Fax: (907) 465-4714 Send E-Mail Personal Web Site: http://www.garywilken.com |
Session: State Capitol, Room 102 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3743 Fax: (907) 465-2381 Send E-Mail |
For Immediate Release: March 22, 2000
Contact: Senator Gary Wilken's office at (907) 465-3709.
Contact: Representative Jeannette James's office at (907) 465-3743.
Juneau -- Wednesday, the Alaska Senate passed Senate Joint Resolution 38, sponsored by Senator Gary Wilken. 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."
SJR 38 passed the Senate by a vote of 19 to 0. It now proceeds to the House.