U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) joined U.S. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) in welcoming a cross-border permit that would be the latest step in an Alaska-Canada Railway.
Following President Donald Trump’s cross-border permit for the Alaska-Alberta (A2A) Railway Development Corporation, the legislators issued a statement in support of the transportation project.
“The effort to establish a railway connecting Alaska and Canada has been underway for decades, but never this close to reality. My father advocated for a rail connection between Canada and Alaska throughout his years in public office, and I have likewise worked with my partners in the delegation to advance the concept since coming to the Senate. I thank the President for sharing this vision and approving the cross-border permit for the A2A project. This rail infrastructure would strengthen the relationship between the United States and Canada while boosting Alaska’s economy for years to come. As the project moves forward, I encourage the project sponsors and federal permitting agencies to continue to engage and consult with indigenous peoples and local communities along its proposed route,” Murkowski said.
The proposed $17-billion freight rail project would run through northwest Canada and connect to the existing Alaska Railroad system. It would allow for the transportation of energy, minerals, and other commodities through ports in Southcentral Alaska.
“The A2A project would be a boon for Alaska, with the potential to expand our transportation system, decrease the cost of goods, provide greater security for food and supplies, and create hundreds if not thousands of good-paying jobs for hard-working Alaska families during the construction and operation phases,” Sullivan said. “I thank the President for approving this permit and for his administration’s dogged focus on advancing important economic and job-producing projects in Alaska.”