Congressman Nick Begich has been named Vice Chair of the House Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials, a key position that will allow him to advocate for strengthening transportation infrastructure, enhancing energy security, and expanding economic opportunities in Alaska, and throughout the nation.
“This role presents a tremendous opportunity to advance critical infrastructure projects that will strengthen Alaska’s economy, improve supply chain efficiency, and support energy development,” Begich said in a Feb. 25 statement
Begich has repeatedly said that it is a priority of his to advance the state’s long-held goal of connecting Alaska to the Lower-48 via a railroad. Currently, Alaska remains unconnected the rest of the North American rail network, a gap that limits economic growth and trade opportunities.
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“Alaska has immense resource potential, but we must have the infrastructure to move goods and energy efficiently,” Begich noted. “Expanding our rail and pipeline networks will lower costs, create jobs, and strengthen our state’s position in the global economy.”
Begich is also expected to be a leading advocate for the Alaska LNG pipeline, an 800-mile project designed to unlock the vast natural gas reserves of the North Slope and bring them to market – a project that could create thousands of good-paying jobs for Alaskans, reduce energy costs for homes and businesses and strengthen U.S. energy independence and national security.
The Subcommittee on Railroads, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials has jurisdiction over the Surface Transportation Board (STB), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Amtrak, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
13 Comments
Best wishes on this project!
Good luck with that. Canada will be the major stumbling block to building railways from Alaska to the Lower 48 given the threat of tariffs by the U.S. on goods from Canada. Great if it happens, but not counting on it during Begich’s term.
the only good news for Alaskans
As a business owner here in Alaska that struggles weekly to get materials and products here to my customers, I am incredibly open to this project! I’m sure there are things that should bring reservations to my opinion with proper caution, but all initial thoughts scream ‘Let’s get this rolling!’.
Would love to see this project progress.
You’re the same guy that referred to Alaska’s boroughs as “counties”. I think you’re as much of an Alaskan as Dan Sullivan.
Once Canada becomes our 51st state this project will become so much easier.
Well THAT won’t happen.
As long as they don’t call it Snowpiercer. It would be another way for tourists to see the beauty that is called Alask (and the northwest Canada provinces).
Maybe we can call it the silver bullet. Gets you there every time.
President Trump before he left office the first time actually signed the document allowing the across border crossing of the rail line. That is unless Biden in his wisdom terminated that EO.
Ahh, Nick. You’re ADORABLE!
This proposal would be great if not more expensive than airfare. Hopefully, it will be passenger & freight and offer sleeper rooms/ showers , and have connections to Amtrak in the lower 48. Some items considered dangerous or Hazmat on aircraft could be shipped via rail. Perhaps, they would do like Amtrak and bring your vehicle for an additional fee. I’m not sure how customs would work if there will be multiple stops in Canada.
Just another scheme to bilk Alaskans out of millions of dollars planing , designing, and promoting it only
To never be built, just like the gas line, Knik Arm Crossing. Alaska has loss the guts to do anything, but talk. We don’t have the political leaders to accomplish anything of value, they just love to talk