The obstacles of the past are still relevant today in Alaska. Alaskans continue to struggle to keep up with the constant changing of communication and transportation. As a State that is so large in size, approximately 586, 412 sq. miles, and having one of the smallest populations 772, 718 . Both factors make it hard to keep up with cost effectiveness. The cost of living in Alaska is already high compared to the lower 48 and would be much higher without the developed transportation systems in place now, since a lot of business that Alaskans deal with are located in the lower 48.
Climate issues in Alaska is another concern. Permafrost and extreme weather have been a concern for both transportation and communication. The window for construction in Alaska is very short and when that window is open the permafrost adds a dynamic that takes special consideration to deal with. This has added an environmental dimension to infrastructure development that other states do not have to deal with.
The airlines have assisted with accessibility to places. Ted Stevens airport is less than 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrial world; which assists with business travel and leisure. As mentioned in other modules though, airfares are largely dependent on gas prices and thus the market for oil, so if that goes up then so does the airfare.
Another mode of transportation in Alaska that has had and continues to have concerns is ocean and river transportation. As mentioned in the Explore Alaska module, between 80-90% of all goods shipped to Alaska arrive by water to coastal ports and then moved to the interior via the river-ways and other modes of transportation. Alaskans depend on it for the delivery of necessities for life: food, shelter and energy
| sewardalaskatransport.com |
Along with the airlines adding greater access, so did telecommunications. In 2005 AT&T merged with SBC Communications Inc. to become one of the largest companies in the World and this merge has helped in enhancing technology in Alaska. Although there is enhanced technology today, Alaska continues to struggle to keep up with the constant changing of communication worldwide due costliness of broad bend fiber optic transmission systems. Proximity and accessibility is also an issue in Alaska for availability of communication. I remember the days of only have a few channels and now with access to satellite and skype I don't feel nearly as isolated as I did growing up in Alaska during the 1980's.
Examine Question: Identify 3 major railroads in Alaska History. Where?When?Why? Ownership? Current Status?
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| Copper River Bridge 27A, Copper River
and NW Railroad ca. 1918 VILDA-AMRC-b62-1-1472 |
The first railroad mentioned; The White Pass& Yukon was built in 1898 to assist the Gold rush Stampede. The railroad connected Skagway and Whitehorse. The railroad carried Ore from Canadian mines to Skagway and also served as transportation for tourists.In 1970's a road was built that connected Skagway to Whitehorse and thus a decrease in rail traffic. Today the railroad no longer hauls Ore from mines, but operates seasonally for tourists.
The Copper River & Northwestern Railroad was also constructed due to mineral findings. In 1905 Wealthy East Coast financier's where persuaded to build the Railroad. In 1911, the 196 mile track was completed. These freight trains carried shipment to Cordova from the mines. Although, it was built to assist the marketing of copper, the railroad also made access to gold placers easier. Copper prices fell in the 1920s and the Kennecott mines closed in 1932. 1938 marked the closing of the railroad, except there was 13 miles of the line between Cordova and Cordova airport that were operational during World War II and 60 miles of the line between Chitina and McCarthy were used for light tram traffic until 1947, then all general use was closed.
http://alaskarailroad.com/travel/PhotoGallery/tabid/320/Default.aspx
In March of 1902 Ballaine and other Seattle backers organized the Alaska Central Railroad Company with $30 million capital. The railroad was to begin at Resurrection Bay, where the Russians had built ships. The money had soon ran out and then came new financial support from Chicago financiers backed by a Canadian bank. The new owners completed 52 more miles before they too went bankrupt in 1909. On March 12, 1914, President Wilson signed a bill into law that authorized a government-built Alaska railroad. The president was to select one or more routes from ice-free ports to Interior Alaska. Construction could include a total of 1,000 miles of track. President Wilson selects a railroad route that would run from Seward to the Tanana River. Construction continued north of Anchorage and south of Fairbanks to Healy. The railroad struggled financially and tourism was promoted vigorously to assist with costs.
The Alaska railroad was later effected by WWII due to the increased use to move supplies. Workforce was limited, so women were asked to help on the rail. The Military in 1950's and the pipeline in 1970's helped with the cost of keeping it running. Despite, the Alaska Railroad being the only federally owned railroad, the costs were always a constant drain. In 1984 Alaska arranged to buy the railroad to ensure its continual existence.
The Alaska Railroad is still in existence today and used primarily for tourism and freight services. The Alaska railroad is also keeping up with being Green, and as mentioned in this link discusses some of the positive environmental aspects of taking the railroad as means of transportation. These issues will hopefully assist in keeping The Alaska Railroad going: http://alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/Environmental/tabid/414/Default.aspx
The Alaska Railroad is still in existence today and used primarily for tourism and freight services. The Alaska railroad is also keeping up with being Green, and as mentioned in this link discusses some of the positive environmental aspects of taking the railroad as means of transportation. These issues will hopefully assist in keeping The Alaska Railroad going: http://alaskarailroad.com/corporate/Corporate/Environmental/tabid/414/Default.aspx
Extend: What other useful information, insights/and or resources have you discovered?
Throughout this module I was awakened with awareness of how isolated some places in Alaska must have felt and continue to feel due to lack of communication services and transportation availability. The article on icebreakers was of great interest to me, because I had just seen an issue about funding for icebreakers in the news. After reading this module I understand the importance of this issue more. Lastly, I was unaware of the amazing hard work that was put into all modes of transportation in Alaska. I have driven the Alaska Highway a few times and am amazed of the beauty, but also the great significance it had to connecting Alaska with the lower 48. The Alaska History and Cultural studies articles have been very useful in obtaining necessary information.
Evaluate:
The railroad section was interesting to me, because I feel it is such an important part of Alaska's history. I really wish there was more information on communication and growth today. Overall this offered a lot of information on transportation. I, at times felt like the information was a little scattered but am realizing how all modules are interconnected and excited to learn more about this amazing State!
Evaluate:
The railroad section was interesting to me, because I feel it is such an important part of Alaska's history. I really wish there was more information on communication and growth today. Overall this offered a lot of information on transportation. I, at times felt like the information was a little scattered but am realizing how all modules are interconnected and excited to learn more about this amazing State!
Blogs I have visited:
It was interesting to find out why Alaska was purchased
Enjoyed the description of Alaska fishing and changes
Enjoyed learning about agriculture, because I would love to have a garden or fresh vegetables in Alaska!
While reading this module, I did not read about the environmental aspects of the railroads. It is really amazing that just one gallon of gasoline moves a ton of freight the length of the entire Alaska Railroad route. Thanks for sharing!
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