HomeMy WebLinkAboutRESOLUTION 1997-07Suggested by: Vice Mayor Measles
WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad was constructed by the Federal O°Vern.'~ent
from 1915 to 1923 as a public transportation system to open Alaska's Interior and.. foster.'
development; and,
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska purchased the Alaska Railroad in 198~ to bring
this critical transportation link under control of Alaskans for the first time; and,
WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad accomplishes a dual mission of supporting
economic development and providing vital public transportation services; and,
WttEREAS, the Alaska Railroad Corporation Act of 1984, the Alaska state
Legislature created a management structure that is accountable to the Legislature and
Governor through, the appointment and confirmation 'of board members; and,.
I~HE~, the Alaska Railroad is SUccessfully managed and operated.by'
professional, railroad managers and-workers; and,
WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad Corporation Act enables the Alaska Railroad to
be self-sustaining throut01 retention of profits for reinvestment in capital improvements
and maintenance; and,
WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad is meeting its mission to be profeSSionally
managed and seN-sustaining, earning record profits in 1995 and 1996; and,
WHE~, the Alaska Railroad has not received state general fund subsidies for..
operation or maintenance since coming under state ownership; and,
WHEREAS, Alaska Railroad employees are not state employees, receive no state
benefits, and are not part of the state retirement system; and,
WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad's success is due largely to its non-political
management, its ability to respond to customer needs and its integration of freight,
passenger, and real estate operations; and,
WttEREAS, the Alaska Railroad, as a public institution, is an integral part of
Alaska's history and future development; and,
Resolution No. 97-7
Page 2 of 2
.WHEREAS, the Alaska Railroad has one of the vital transportation corridors of.
578' mare line miles of track from tidewater at Seward to Alaska's Interior City of
Fairbanks; and, ....
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai recognizes that even successful organizations must
continue striving for improvement and that the Alnska Railroad is no exception.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, suppom continued State ownership of the Alaska
Railroad under the terms of the Alaska Railroad Corporation Act of 1984.
. .BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Ke~ai opposes .any. legislative or
adm~o~strative proposals that would diminish the Alaska Rmlroad's ability to:
Manage its budget and finances according to accepted business practices;
Meet the needs of its customers in a timely manner,
Limit the Corporation's ability to generate sufficient revenue to be self-
sustaining, especially by transferring Railroad lands to another entity...
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Kenai encourages the Aln~ka
Railroad's Board of Directors to actively solicit and incorporate recommendations from
representatives of rail users, impt~cted communities, ten. ants, legislators, and other. .
inte.rested parties, and to develop long-range plans for tmprovmg and expanding railroad
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of thi~ resolution shall be sent to the
Honorable Tony Knowle.s., Governor, State of Alaska; Governor Bill Sheffield, Chairman
of the Board, Alaska Railroad Corporation; and all members of the Alaska State
Legislature.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALAS~, this 19th day'of.
February, 1997.
ATTEST:
H. Ray/nond ~f~aSles, Vice Mayor