Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-02-13 Senate Journal
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Full Journal pdf2002-02-13 Senate Journal Page 2185 While the railroad would issue the bonds, neither the railroad nor the state would own the gas line nor be liable for the debt. That responsibility would fall on the private companies that build, own, and operate the gas line. The bill also requires that prior to issuing bonds, the railroad must determine that any contract or lease is sufficient to pay back the bonds as scheduled, maintain reserves for the payments, and pay all costs necessary to secure the bonds. The railroad has always been important to Alaska's economy. Anchorage was born as a railroad construction town. The railroad supported construction of the Alaska Highway during World War II and the subsequent military buildup in Alaska. It helped build the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and along its 611 miles of track, the Alaska Railroad carries 7 million tons of freight and half-a-million passengers every year providing jobs to 700 Alaskans. I urge you to take prompt action on this measure. This is an important step in advancing the construction of an Alaska natural gas pipeline. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor Consideration of the Calendar Citations In Memoriam - Miriam Manuyak Baldwin Representative(s) Joule Senator(s) Olson, Hoffman, Halford, Austerman, Green, Lincoln, Kelly, Davis, Taylor, Elton, Leman, Wilken, Therriault, Stevens In Memoriam - Jay Dennis Poss Representative(s) McGuire Senator(s) Cowdery, Donley, Hoffman, Halford, Austerman, Green, Lincoln, Kelly, Davis, Taylor, Elton, Leman, Wilken, Therriault, Ward, Stevens