AALLLL AABOARDBOARD SECOND QUARTER 2010 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE INSIDE...

VELOCITY PT 2: MECHANICAL CONTRIBUTION MILEPOSTS: SPOTLIGHT 0033 AWARDS CROSSINGS: CHARITABLE 0066 GIVING STATUS CROSSINGS: RETIREMENT 0077 TRUST FUNDS CROSSINGS: HERBICIDE PERMIT 0088 APPEALED SIDINGS: MECHANICAL 0099 SUCCESS STORIES HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS MO ANSELM, LEFT, AND BILL GRIFFITH EVALUATE A BALLAST REGULATOR IN THE SHOP. SIDINGS: (PHOTO BY STEPHENIE WHEELER) IAM ELECTRICAL CROSS-TRAINING Th e 1st Quarter 2010 issue of All Aboard says Dennis Bouwens, Manager, Hostlers & Motive 1100 introduced terminal-to-terminal train velocity as a Power. “We want our mechanics to be working as CROSSINGS: measure of company performance. As the second evenly as possible throughout the day.” NEW NON-REP in a series, this article takes a closer look at sev- Plans for the next 24 to 48 hours begin daily APPRAISAL STATUS eral velocity factors that relate to the Mechanical with a 10:00 a.m. meeting between Diesel Shop, 1111 Department (Diesel, Car and Heavy Equipment Chief Train Dispatcher and Anchorage, Fairbanks SIDINGS: shops). It includes perspectives from railroaders and Whittier terminal representatives who discuss BIKE-TO-WORK responsible for powering and prepping the train for train demand in terms of tonnage, cars and locomo- SURVEY RESULTS a safe, on-time departure, and for equipping track tives. During a typical summer day, as many as 16 1122 maintenance and freight-handling crews. or more locomotives may be serviced at the shops. SIGNALS: Daily northbound and southbound freight trains B&B6, SAFETY Power Delivery: Diesel Shop require one SD70MAC for every 2,000 to 3,000 BRIDGE REPAIR Diesel Shops in Anchorage and Fairbanks are tons of cargo. Th e long heavy coal trains may use 1144 tasked with delivering the right number of locomo- “distributed” power with three locomotives posi- CROSSINGS: tives to the right location at the right time. Th ey tioned at the front, and three at the end of the train. NORTHERN RAIL aim to deliver two hours before the train crew re- Two or more daily gravel trains are each pulled EXTENSION NEWS ports for duty (known as “call time”) at least 85% of by two SD70MACs. Plus, several general purpose 1155 the time. Mechanical has been exceeding that goal (GP) locomotives are needed to accommodate yard CROSSINGS: regularly with on-time delivery of 92% or better. switching and to move work trains up and down 2011 ART PRINT ARTIST SELECTED Advance planning is essential to that end. “We the line. 1166 want to avoid the spikes in diesel shop activity,” (See “Velocity Part 2” on page 4) MILEPOSTS ALL ABOARD SERVICE AWARDS: APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2010 1 Year 10 Years Scott Austin ...... Mechanical Richard Dahlgren ...... Maintenance of Way 2ND QTR 2010 2 Chad Breeden ...... Transportation William Horsey IV ...... Transportation James Chambless III ...... Transportation William McCormick...... Transportation Andre Dionne ...... Passenger Operations William Notti ...... Transportation Danielle Fegley ...... Human Resources Arlene Rhoades ...... Train Dispatcher Ronald Rifredi...... Mechanical Robert Smith III ...... Transportation Jeonghee Scholtisek...... Transportation Gerald Vanthomme...... Information Services Larry Sean Walker ...... Passenger Operations Crystal Wilson ...... Maintenance of Way

5 Years 15 Years Monty Bloom ...... Transportation David Haag...... Transportation Katie Breci...... Police & Security Christine Turner ...... Accounting Gregory Goemer ...... Supply Management Timothy Malley ...... Signal 20 Years Terry Martin ...... Mechanical Dan Frerich...... Police & Security Kelly Samuelson ...... Maintenance of Way Wanda Robinson...... Transportation Gerald Schmitz IIII ...... Mechanical 25 Years John Simmons Jr...... Passenger Operations James Steele #1 ...... Mechanical George Huling ...... Transportation Timothy Sullivan...... Maintenance of Way John Puckett ...... Maintenance of Way

30 Years John Gaule ...... Maintenance of Way

MILEPOSTS HOME FRONT: RETIREMENTS AND BIRTHS Retirements North End Ditcher Foreman Cliff ord Howard retired from the Maintenance of Way Department after 32 years. Conductor/Brakeman W. Frank Armstrong retired from the Transportation Department after 35 years. Facilities Maintenance Mechanic Samuel Kelley retired from the Real Estate & Facilities Department after 32 years. Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer Edward Alford retired from the Transportation Department after 20 years.

Births Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer Robert Hinterleitner and wife Phi Diep welcomed daughter Ava Blue, born March 11. Conductor/Brakeman Keith Webster and wife Lily welcomed son Noah Bi De, born April 7. Superintendent, Maintenance Lloyd Tesch and Budget Analyst, Operations Jennifer Tesch welcomed son Laramie Alexander, born May 6. MILEPOSTS ALL ABOARD SPOTLIGHT AWARDS: MARCH - JUNE

Car Supervisor Joshua Cappel, Carman Steve the railroad will realize a boost in productivity and Stacey and Equipment Maintenance Specialist potential cost savings by avoiding the purchase of at Grant Ojaniemi took steps to ease a bottleneck in least some additional lift cylinder spares. 2ND QTR3 2010 the repair of the railroad’s air dump railcars. As a Fairbanks carman at the time, Cappel and Stacey Conductor/Brakeman Leon Butler prevented a recognized the extra time required to repair an air much more expensive and disruptive problem from dump lift cylinder when the required right-side or developing on May 17, 2010, when he was work- left-side spare was not available. Th ey suggested the ing as a brakeman on a QAP gravel train. Butler’s lift cylinders be modifi ed to be universal so that sharp eye noticed the spring carrier on Locomotive more spares are available to fi t either side. Cappel 4010 was misaligned and he immediately notifi ed and Stacey sought Ojaniemi’s expertise with design the right people to stop using the locomotive. By ideas. Ojaniemi also devised a tool to assist with the catching this issue early, Butler helped to keep repair welding needed to modify the cylinders. Stacey per- costs to a minimum. Locomotive mechanics were fected the 90-minute adaptation and single-hand- able to fi x the problem before the condition could edly modifi ed the fi rst half dozen or so cylinders worsen. A cracked or broken spring carrier would during 2009. He also instructed peers to continue cost thousands of dollars to fi x, not only increasing this eff ort now and in the years to come. Th anks to maintenance costs, but also putting a locomotive this innovation, air dumps will now spend less time out of commission during a time of peak use, when in the shop and more time on the line. Ultimately, we can least aff ord lengthy repairs.

MILEPOSTS NEW HIRES: APRIL, MAY, JUNE 2010

Linda Anderson...... Accounting Jeff ery Lydon...... Transportation Benjamin Battles ...... Transportation Christopher Matter ...... Passenger Operations Jonah Bellamy ...... Maintenance of Way Robert Meade ...... Passenger Operations Dawn Boyer ...... Transportation Ronald Logan Moore ...... Maintenance of Way Shawn Bruns...... Maintenance of Way Harry Newell III ...... Signal Michael Busby...... Transportation David Newman...... Transportation Preston Cliburn...... Transportation Keith Nichols ...... Maintenance of Way Gale Dinsmore III...... Transportation Duane Phillips...... Maintenance of Way Tyler Dwyer ...... Facilities Melanie Reed ...... Passenger Operations Charles Ehlenfeldt...... Transportation Kevin Reilly...... Maintenance of Way Karlie Ennes ...... Passenger Operations Joseph Reinhardt...... Maintenance of Way Charles Estes ...... Maintenance of Way Samuel Reynolds...... Passenger Operations Bryan Fletcher...... Mechanical Dustin Rider ...... Transportation John Gage ...... Maintenance of Way Jeremiah Rider ...... Transportation Christopher Gaubatz...... Maintenance of Way Steven Rosevear...... Maintenance of Way Markita Gibbons...... Passenger Services Joel Rousculp ...... Maintenance of Way Josue Guzman...... Transportation Terry Seats ...... Transportation Ace Hanke ...... Transportation Gregory Seymour ...... Maintenance of Way Sean Hannaman ...... Transportation Ryan Stahl...... Transportation Nicholas Harma ...... Transportation Matt Stout...... Transportation Kari Haschke...... Transportation Chad Michael Tacia...... Transportation Dirk Hosler...... Passenger Operations Douglas Tacia ...... Maintenance of Way Stanley Humphreys ...... Transportation Spencer Th ompson ...... Transportation Jeff rey King ...... Transportation Matthew Waychoff ...... Maintenance of Way Michael Kocher...... Passenger Operations John Wiese ...... Maintenance of Way Katelyn Lessard ...... Passenger Services Vincent Wojtusik ...... Maintenance of Way ALL ABOARD VELOCITY PT 2: MECHANICAL CONTRIBUTION (continued from page 1) age yardmaster for the day’s schedule. Assuming Passenger train locomotive requirements are cal- the regular daily freight train is being built, Worley culated by the number of coaches and whether the will head over to the Trailer-on-Flatcar/Container- 2ND QTR 2010 coaches need electricity. If an SD70MAC equipped on-Flatcar (TOFC/COFC) loading/unloading area 4 with head-end power (HEP) must provide elec- on Whitney Road. Here, a switching engine pulls a tricity to the train, only about half of its power is block of 10-15 cars onto one of the TOFC tracks, Velocity Part 2: available to pull. For example, a southbound Coastal where Worley will inspect each car. Th e air brake Classic with 11 cars would need one SD70MAC. test is typically a one-carman job. If a car does not Th e Glacier Discovery service is usually accomplished pass the air test initially, carmen can try again twice by the self-propelled Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU). more before a “bad order” is determined and the car But if the DMU is unavailable, two locomotives are is removed from the block. Bad orders occur when a required to provide a fl exible push-pull service. car has a mechanical problem, it cannot pass the air On a busy summer day, the Alaska Railroad can test, or parts freeze up in the winter. use up to 48 out its 51-locomotive fl eet to accom- After train segments (blocks) are inspected, they plish business demands. In addition to daily power are joined together to build a train. Once complete, delivery, Diesel Shop mechanics are responsible for the entire train undergoes a fi nal air brake test. daily, 30-day, quarterly, semi-annual, annual and During block testing and fi nal train testing, car- tri-annual inspections that are progressively more men work closely with the locomotive engineer. Th e involved. Th ey also perform locomotive overhauls carman calls for the engineer to “set” or apply the to include emission control upgrades. brakes, and then moves along both sides of the cars, Resident “air expert” Mechanic Lloyd Th omp- looking for clues on air brake function and listen- son devotes much of his time to inspecting locomo- ing for small air leaks. Th en the carman calls for the tive air systems and working in the small shop area engineer to release the brakes, and again looks and CARMEN MIKE REED, equipped for rebuilding and testing parts. Th omp- listens for potential problems. LEFT, AND BEN WORLEY son says he keeps at least two of each part stocked In addition to the tests, yard carmen perform CHECK THE AIR BRAKES and ready to replace worn parts in order to avoid minor fi eld repairs, such as replacing a worn brake ON A TRAIN BEFORE IT unnecessary locomotive down time. shoe. Th ey also check the hitches, hand brakes, load LEAVES THE ANCHOR- Mechanic Chuck Loritz may work on six to securement and balance, among a myriad of items. AGE YARD. (PHOTO BY eight locomotives per day, splitting his time be- “We are motivated by the safety of the train STEPHENIE WHEELER) tween daily and more in-depth overall inspections. crew,” said Worley. Similar to the relationship On June 14, however, Loritz was between an aircraft pilot and a plane’s ground crew, reviewing a locomotive’s air system “trainmen need to know they can count on the with Th ompson mentoring as part of carmen to make sure the train is tested and ready to an ongoing Mechanical cross-training go.” initiative. Loritz acknowledges that Yard crews strive to have the train built and air cross-training is a challenge and tested by the train crew’s call time. Th e goal is to he’d like to see more structured time accomplish this 95% of the time. Anchorage Car devoted to it. Supervisor Scott Toombs says his carmen meet and Both mechanics say they appreci- exceed the goal regularly. Ditto for the Fairbanks ate when the locomotives on incom- carmen, says General Mechanical Supervisor Sean ing trains are brought straight to the Mesloh. Toombs and Mesloh track how well the shop for servicing, because that pro- carmen get their job done by reviewing air test vides more time to work on potential forms that carmen complete once the test is done. problems to meet demand. In Anchorage, fi ve of the shop’s 24 carmen share air test duty on freights and passenger trains, Air Test: Car Shop with one or two on duty per shift. Of the Fair- Federal regulations require all banks shop’s 16 carmen, four are yard carmen who trains to have a Class I test of the perform air tests, again with one or two on duty air brake system prior to leaving the per shift. Recently, Toombs began dedicating two initial terminal (Anchorage of Fair- carmen to focus solely on MOW work trains. “Th is banks). Each and every car on a train has worked well. MOW trains and crew keep the must pass the test. track in good repair, so we want to keep those trains Anchorage Carman Ben Worley going on time,” said Toombs. “Fewer slow orders starts his day at 2:00 p.m., often due to track conditions will help velocity.” joining another yard carman for afternoon duty. He calls the Anchor- (See “Velocity Part 2” on page 5) VELOCITY PT 2: MECHANICAL CONTRIBUTION ALL ABOARD (continued from page 4) its own challenges including long drives in dark and icy road conditions, which is why mechanics Equipping MOW & TOFC/COFC: usually travel in pairs when the temperatures drop. Heavy Equipment Working outside in cold, wet and windy weather is 2ND QTR 2010 another diffi culty. 5 Th e Heavy Equipment (HE) Shops contribute Sometimes the workload becomes lopsided in to velocity by keeping MOW and TOFC/COFC Fairbanks or Anchorage. In those situations, the equipped, said Anchorage Heavy Equipment Shop two shops coordinate work and supplies, and some Supervisor Ed Hills. Mechanics support MOW’s equipment may be shipped north or south on fl at eff ort to keep track and yards open and operational cars to divide up the work. at full speed by maintaining equipment ranging from ballast regulators and tampers in the sum- Conclusion mer to snow removal equipment in the winter. HE After a closer look at Mechanical’s role in train supports on-time freight-loading and handling with velocity, one thing is clear — no factor is accom- service and repair of TOFC forklifts, van loaders plished in a vacuum. One department’s crews rely and the generator used for refrigerated units. on another department’s crews to get their jobs “We start our day with a briefi ng at 7:00 a.m., done. Next issue, such inter-dependencies will but most days the phone has already been ringing remain apparent when a third article focuses on with reports of parts broken, equipment leaking, the people responsible for operating the trains and etc.,” said Hills. terminals (Transportation Department). Th e series “If it’s on the track and generating revenue, it’s will conclude with a fourth article about railroaders a priority,” added HE Mechanic Work Leader Bill responsible for the condition and use of the track Griffi th. “Th e goal is to fi x the equipment the same (Engineering/Maintenance of Way Department). LEFT: ANCHORAGE day, in hours if at all possible.” YARD BUILDING 26 Like the Diesel Shop mechanics, HE mechanics BREAK ROOM INCLUDES perform overhauls and more in-depth maintenance A DISPLAY BOARD THAT and repair inside the shop, but much of their work HELPS THE DIESEL is done outside the shop and in the fi eld. SHOP EMPLOYEES KEEP HE mechanics are qualifi ed to work on all types TRACK OF SCHEDULED of equipment, but some have become resident LOCOMOTIVE WORK. experts on specifi c equipment. For example, Griffi th has come to know van loaders very well during his BELOW: CHUCK 35 years with the railroad. Relative newcomer Mi- LORITZ, LEFT, TESTS LO- chael “Mo” Anselm joined the railroad 14 months COMOTIVE AIR SYSTEMS ago and he says he appreciates Griffi th’s expertise. UNDER THE GUIDANCE “Experience like Bill’s is a big plus with trouble- OF FELLOW MECHANIC shooting,” said Anselm. And, given the often long LLOYD THOMPSON. distances mechanics must travel to work in the fi eld, it pays to fi gure out the likely cause before leaving, so the right tools and parts are in hand. Troubleshooting involves good dialogue with the equipment operator. “We want to know what the equipment is NOT doing,” said Anselm. “Th is provides important clues. Th e fi x is not always sim- ply to replace a part.” “Each operator thinks diff erently. Th e trouble- shooting questions I ask may depend on how much the operator knows about the equipment,” said Griffi th. “Bottom line… we know they [equipment operators] are operating within a short window of time on the track and they need their equipment up and running quickly.” Limited track time is a challenge for equip- ment operators and maintainers alike. Most repairs must be done while equipment is on the track and train traffi c limits that track time. Winter off ers (PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER) CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD STATUS ON RAILROAD CHARITABLE GIVING

Th e economic downturn has certainly reduced the Food Bank of Alaska. One agency’s by-product the railroad’s cash-based philanthropy, but in-kind is another agency’s prize possession.” 62ND QTR 2010 giving has not been curtailed, providing an impor- Railroad employees who are involved with non- tant way to give back to the communities we serve. profi ts can request in-kind support of worthwhile Fortunately, the railroad programs and projects. Check out the Corporate can off er in-kind services that Contribution Guidelines for eligibility information, benefi t hundreds of non-prof- and be sure to use updated request forms available it organizations each year. Eli- on our corporate web site www.AlaskaRailroad. gible non-profi ts use donated com/Corporate, click on COMMUNITY, then passenger rail tickets to raise Charitable Giving and scroll to the bottom. funds through raffl es and auc- A dramatic reduction to cash sponsorships tions, or to build membership began early in 2009 with notable exceptions being with prizes rewarding member long-standing relationships with programs that recruitment eff orts. assist youth and Alaskans in need. For example, we Th e Denali Car off ers a provide fi nancial support for our School Business USED TIES PROVIDE THE unique, popular group charter experience. Restored Partnership including hosting the Government Hill FOUNDATION AND THE in partnership with the Rasmuson Foundation, the Elementary School back-to-school picnic. Another VERTICAL SUPPORTS FOR historic business car is donated several times each example is the railroad’s agreement with the Food A PIG SHELTER AT THE year to charitable organizations for fund-raising. Bank of Alaska (FBA) and Department of Cor- POINT MACKENZIE Occasionally, we assist an entire community. rections to support a moose salvage program. Th e CORRECTIONAL FACILITY For example, when a rock slide over the road isolat- Point MacKenzie Correctional Facility retrieves FARM. ed Whittier in April 2009, we provided emergency moose killed on the track and inmates process the (PHOTO COURTESY OF freight, passenger and trash transport. Likewise, the moose into ground meat that is, in turn, distrib- KENNY MOSS, PMCF) railroad has donated use of gondolas to backhaul uted by FBA to needy Alaskans. As part of this scrap metal out of Yukon River communities. agreement, the railroad underwrites some of the Sometimes in-kind donations come in the program’s food processing costs. form of materials. Th e railroad donates posters, Nearly all small grants were suspended by fall prints and pins to non-profi ts for recognition 2009 — both those requested by employees and programs and fund-raising. Used ties are donated those considered by our Citizens Advisory Board to non-profi ts and government agencies to improve (CAB). Th e CAB was comprised of seven citizens infrastructure and jump-start projects. A prime from communities served by the Alaska Railroad. example is the recent donation of more than 200 Members were familiar with broad community used ties to the Point MacKenzie Correctional Farm charitable needs and had the experience to recog- (PMCF), which is directing inmates to build pig nize grant applicants who would benefi t most from pins and greenhouse foundations. “Your generous railroad contributions. With no grant decisions to donation of the railroad ties saves the Department make, the CAB is no longer meeting. of Corrections on our budget,” said Kenny Moss, As the economy improves and ARRC is able to PMCF Administration Offi cer. “Every institution resume small grants, the Corporate Aff airs Depart- that receives produce from PMCF gets to cut back ment will review options for community participa- on their food budget and those funds are put to tion in philanthropic decisions. Th e CAB or similar good use throughout these institutions. Last year, group may be re-established with an expanded role PMCF donated over 138,000 pounds of produce to in grant and other charitable giving decisions.

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE NEW ROUNDABOUT HIGHLIGHTS RAILROAD

In September 2009 a roundabout opened where “Knowing that the Alaska Railroad trains travel pass Huff man Road dead-ends at Old Seward Highway. this intersection carrying cargo and travelers, it was Th e single circle includes landscaping that high- in the interest of the public to show one of Alaska’s lights the Alaska Railroad. “We added the ‘hard’ major modes of transportation.” scape to improve the quality appearance of the Construction started in May 2009 and is ex- roundabout,” said Alaska Department of Transpor- pected to be complete in August 2010. tation Consultant Coordinator Robert DeVassie. (see drawing and photos on page 7) CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD RETIREMENT TRUST FUNDS IN GOOD SHAPE

By Bill O’Leary, Chief Finance Offi cer and • In 2009, the ARRC adopted a fi ve-year smooth- Interim Chief Executive Offi cer ing approach to calculate the actuarial value of the assets. Most governmental plans use this 2ND QTR7 2010 Each year, actuarial valuations of the Alaska technique to decrease the volatility of their Railroad’s pension and retiree medical trust funds required contributions. are performed. Th ese reports outline, as of the beginning of the year, how the respective plan’s as- Railroad Pension Plan sets and liabilities compare (funded ratio) and how much the corporation should contribute to each • 2009 Return on market value of assets: 20%. plan in the current year. Th e results of the valuation • Funded Ratio: decreased from 102% to 99.3%. studies were quite positive, with both plans being • 2010 Annual Required Contribution: $2.25 well-funded and a slight decrease in net required million, an increase of $400,000 over 2009. contributions. • Th e same recommendation for a fi ve-year asset BILL O’LEARY smoothing to calculate the actuarial value of Postretirement Medical Plan assets was adopted in 2009. • 2009 Return on market value of assets: 24.8%. • Th e actuaries commented that the Alaska Rail- • Funded Ratio: increased from 79.4% to 118%. road’s pension plan is one of the best funded in • 2010 Annual Required Contribution: $2.1 the country. million, a decrease of $620,000 over 2009.

ROUNDABOUT HIGHLIGHTS RAILROAD... 1 STEEL PLATE CUTOUTS OF A LOCOMOTIVE AND MOUNTAINS ARE AFFIXED TO A PEDESTRIAN RAILING 1 BESIDE A SHORT STRETCH OF SIDEWALK ALONG HUFFMAN ROAD.

2 BLUE COATED STEEL IS CUT INTO THE SHAPES OF PASSENGERS IN TRAIN WINDOWS, AND AFFIXED TO THE TOP HALF OF A CURVED PEDESTRIAN RAILING BESIDE THE SIDEWALK ALONG THE WEST SIDE OF THE ROUNDABOUT.

3 3 THE LARGE CIRCULAR PLANTER IN THE CENTER OF THE ROUNDABOUT HAS CONCRETE WALLS EMBEDDED WITH A SERIES OF STEEL CUTOUTS SHAPED LIKE AN ARCHED 2 RAILROAD BRIDGE WITH A CROSSING TRAIN AROUND THE PERIMETER.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE WHEELER) CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD OPPONENTS APPEAL HERBICIDE PERMIT

In 2009, the Federal Railroad Administration Wildlife, and Resurrection Bay Conservation Alli- (FRA) issued 130 vegetation-related violations that ance. Trustees for Alaska, an environmental public 82ND QTR 2010 may result in fi nes of up to $16,000 each. FRA interest law fi rm, is representing these parties. inspectors returned to Alaska in late May 2010 and Th e ADEC Commissioner is reviewing the ap- have already issued 19 violations for vegeta- peal, and has several diff erent decision points. Th e tion. Inspectors are due back in July. Trustees have requested a stay to prevent ARRC Well beyond the fi nancial cost, the from applying any herbicide until a fi nal decision Alaska Railroad must control vegetation for on the appeal is made. Th ey have also asked the safety reasons. “We need to be able to see commissioner to hold a full-blown “adjudica- the track to be sure it is safe for trains,” said tory hearing” on the decision to issue the permit, Chief Engineer Tom Brooks. “We need including discovery, new witness testimony, and safe footing for train crews along the tracks full scale briefi ng. Th e commissioner can respond and in the yards. Maintenance-of-Way by granting either or both of the Trustees’ requests, needs good footing too.” denying them, or choosing from a couple of alterna- For 26 years, the Alaska Railroad has tives between those two extremes. On June 30, the been trying to control weeds without commissioner issued a partial stay to preclude herbi- A BALLAST REGULATOR herbicides. Th e use of herbicides would help an cide spraying on a small section of track that may TACKLES VEGETATION otherwise losing battle against vegetation growing in be nearby a few drinking water wells. He denied ON THE OUTSIDE OF Alaska’s 18-hour sunlit days. the rest of the stay request. Th e Trustees may well THE TRACK BED ABOUT “A year ago, we submitted a permit application appeal this decision to Superior Court shortly. A 19 MILES NORTH OF with the Alaska Department of Environmental decision on the adjudicatory hearing is not expected SEWARD IN MID-JUNE. Conservation [ADEC]. We have proposed a lim- for another week at least. ited program on the south end of the railroad, just Th e permit is active at least for now and the 25 track miles between Indian and Seward, plus the ARRC is mobilizing its application contractor with Seward Yard,” said Brooks. “If you’ve been on that a target date to begin application of July 9. A stay, end of the railroad, it’s obvious we need help. Th e issued by either the commissioner or a court, would weed-cutting crew, the on-track brush cutters, and eff ectively prevent application of AquaMaster this the ballast regulators are doing their best, but we are growing season. not keeping up.” Th e appeal has also generated signifi cant media For this reason, ARRC was relieved when attention. Unfortunately, comments quoted from ADEC recently approved the permit to use Aqua- appealing groups are incorrect and at least two Master (glyphosate). To our knowledge, all other points of clarifi cation are in order. North American railroads use herbicides as part of First, the permit stipulates that no herbicide their weed control programs. will be applied within 100 feet of any surface water “We do not take the use of herbicides lightly,” body. Th at means what is says. Herbicides will only said Brooks. Th is year’s permit was accompanied be applied in areas that are more than 100 feet from by a University of Alaska study that specifi cally any surface water body and within the permit area. addresses glyphosate use on the rail in the very area Secondly, herbicide opponents claim that that we propose to apply it. glyphosate can cause human health eff ects. An in- Brooks explains two very important safety issues dependent environmental toxicologist was engaged regarding the herbicide. “First, railroaders who work by ARRC to review the literature recently cited directly along the tracks need to know the chemicals by appealing groups. Th e review concludes that we have selected are extremely safe. We will be tell- this information is “misleading and inaccurately ing you where and when we apply them, and you represents the potential health risks”. We encourage can check out the details on the ARRC web site,” everyone interested to review all the data, not just he said. “Second, everyone needs to know that we the information from either the proponents or the have gone to extraordinary eff orts to show the se- opponents. Th at is what the ADEC did to arrive at lected herbicides are benign. Th ey do their job and the decision to issue the permit. then they degrade away. Th e science shows this.” ADEC’s Permit Decision Document and Nevertheless, on June 1 several groups and responses to comments/concerns (Responsiveness one individual appealed the permit decision. Th ey Summary) can be found at http://dec.alaska.gov/eh/ include Alaska Community Action on Toxics, Na- pest/index.htm. Information on ARRC’s vegeta- tive Village of Eklutna, Alaska Survival (Talkeetna), tion management program can be found at www. Alaska Center for the Environment, Cook Inlet- AlaskaRailroad.com/Corporate (click on Environ- keeper, Prince William Soundkeeper, Defenders of mental, then Vegetation Management). SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD RAKES ADD TO WEED CONTROL ARSENAL

Th e Anchorage Heavy Equipment shop recently Mechanic Kevin Stantorf assisted Tesch with the added a new weapon in the ongoing fi ght against modifi cation design. Stantorf then manufactured weeds in the railroad’s right-of-way. A hinged rake a mounting frame, added a pivot cylinder, and 2ND QTR9 2010 has been attached to one side of a ballast regulator hooked the rake up to the regulator’s hydraulics. to address the hard-to-reach area between the end of Th e late May modifi cation took about a week to the ties and the edge of the track bed. Th e brain- complete and was put to the test June 2. Th e test child of Maintenance Superintendent Lloyd Tesch, proved successful enough to warrant similar modi- the modifi ed rake attachment has been successful in fi cation to a second ballast regulator, which is in pulling some plants out of the ballast. the works. (ARRC has nine ballast regulators). Th e Th e rake was originally manufactured for a Heavy Equipment Shop is also crafting an adaptor small Bobcat “Skidster” backhoe. Heavy Equipment to attach a rake to an excavator this summer. Ballast regulators originally come equipped with “wings” that funnel ballast back onto the track bed as the equipment adds and levels the material. Th e HEAVY EQUIPMENT rake attachment can easily be removed and the wing MECHANIC KEVIN replaced as needed. STANTORF Th e $5,000 rakes add to the railroad’s alterna- tives for mechanical weed control along the track. While mechanical methods alone cannot adequately control vegetation, they are valuable when used in combination with other methods. Th e railroad continues to invest in a comprehensive vegetation management program that incorporates diff erent manual, mechanical and herbicide tools that are ap- propriate and eff ective for diff erent situations.

SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS CAR SHOPS CONVERT FLATCAR HAND BRAKE

Th e Mechanical Department recently completed brake to the side of the car, the hand brake can be a two-year project to convert hand brakes on nearly accessed when the car is fully loaded. Th e ratchet a hundred 129-series fl at cars. Cars originally came style eliminates the pinch-point problem and newer with horizontal wheel-crank style brakes situated at technology makes it more reliable. the end of the car. Th ese were replaced with ratchet- Each of the 95 converted fl at cars required style hand brakes located on the side of the car. about 23 man-hours for mechanics to remove Th e $116,000 conversion solves long-standing the old brake and install the new system with a safety and functional issues. Th e original location fi nal test. Th e conversion began in 2008 and was caused clearance problems when the car was loaded. completed in spring 2010. Most of the work was Th e outdated wheel style also posed problems with performed in Anchorage, but the Fairbanks car shop pinch points and hand injuries. By moving the also assisted and fi nished up the project this year.

THE ORIGINAL HAND BRAKE AT THE END OF THE CAR.THE NEW HAND BRAKE IS LOCATED ON THE CAR’S SIDE. SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD IAM ELECTRICAL CROSS-TRAINING BOOST

Seven Mechanical Department employees have Nearly 30 railroaders signed up and seven a better understanding of electrical concepts thanks were selected to attend June 11-12. Attendees gave 102ND QTR 2010 to a well-received mid-June course off ered as part the course a thumbs up, noting the good course of an ongoing eff ort to expand the skill sets of rail- content, good instructor and good exposure to basic roaders through cross-training. electrical concepts. In late 2007, the Alaska Railroad and the Inter- John Faeo and Loren Statz were among those national Association of Machinists and Aerospace who took the class. Currently a Wheel Shop Leader, Workers (IAM) Faeo has spent time in several areas of Mechanical, union negoti- becoming a well-rounded machinist / mechanic ated a Workplace during his 35 years with the railroad. Yet, his train- Productiv- ing and experience lacks electrical. Ditto for Statz, ity Improvement a Steel Fabricator / Boilermaker who has been with initiative as part the Alaska Railroad for 13 years. Like many co- of the current workers, Statz has gained experience in welding, cab labor contract. work modifi cation and many mechanical tasks, but Th e agreement he has very little electrical experience. aims to increase Classmates agreed the Basic Electronics course overall effi ciency provided a good introduction for people with no and productivity electrical skills. “Th e instructor made things simple, within the Me- and worked with us on our own learning goals,” chanical shops by noted Faeo. “Th ere are many safety issues associated eliminating craft with electrical work and you need a basic under- LOCOMOTIVE lines. Machinists, electricians, pipefi tters, boiler- standing to work safely.” MECHANIC /MACHIN- makers, etc. are no longer restricted to duties falling Faeo said his goal was to become more familiar IST AL FYFE, LEFT, within their craft. Th is means that IAM employees with analyzing simple electrical problems safely. For AND LOCOMOTIVE can work on diff erent pieces of equipment and dif- example, he wanted to learn how to determine if a ELECTRICIAN LEADER ferent systems, as long as they are qualifi ed to do so. switch is bad or not using an electrical meter. GERALD CHRISTENSEN, Recognizing that cross-training is key to this Th e SD70MAC is more complicated than the LISTEN TO THE COURSE initiative, an ARRC & Union Training Committee older model locomotives, and mechanics need to INSTRUCTOR, RIGHT, was formed with three union and three manage- learn more skills to work profi ciently on this equip- DURING A BASIC ELEC- ment representatives. Th ey review and recommend ment, said Statz. As a member of the Training Com- TRONICS CLASS IN JUNE. on-the-job mentoring, along with academic and mittee, Statz notes that the Basic Electronics class hands-on training, to facilitate a more well-rounded serves as a prep course for more in-depth training work force. to come. Th e Training Committee has scheduled a “Th e training has been very successful from a couple of classes on SD70MAC electrical systems in mechanical standpoint, but it is more diffi cult from the fall. A number of employees did not feel com- an electrical standpoint because the opportunities fortable with taking these more advanced classes in troubleshooting electrical systems and problems without a basic electrical foundation. are not as predominant as the other types of work,” A least another 25-30 employees could benefi t explained Mechanical Maintenance Director Doug from similar electrical training. Th e committee Engebretson. “Th e electrical work environment has is looking at ways to make that happen, pending limited space. For example, the size of a locomotive funding. cab or of an electrical cabinet will limit the number “Cross-training absolutely makes an employee of people who can observe the training process.” more valuable,” said Pat Shake, Vice President of When a Basic Electronics course designed for Mechanical and Transportation. “I believe that both the non-electrician was discovered, the Training the company and the employee stand to benefi t.” Committee asked several IAM employees if they Faeo and Statz agreed that becoming more felt it was worth trying. All feedback said, “let’s well-rounded with some electrical knowledge makes give it a try.” American Trainco Inc.’s initial price them more valuable and diversifi ed workers and can quotes were too expensive, but the company later add interest to their job as well. off ered an exceptional deal for a class in June. Th e “If someone at the Railroad has an interest to signifi cant transportation costs were waived thanks learn more, they are usually given the opportunity to another client that already paid for training in to pursue it,” said Statz. “Th at’s a very positive Alaska. thing.” CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD STATUS OF NEW NON-REP APPRAISALS

Th e Alaska Railroad instituted a new perfor- the evaluated employee’s job description, and that mance appraisal policy and form for non-represent- the performance factors refl ected the values and ed employees at the beginning of 2010. Led by leadership behaviors of the Railroad, which we 2ND11 QTR 2010 Training & Workforce Development Director Paula culled from the Cultural Survey.” Donson, the revamped appraisal process incorpo- rates much more interaction, emphasizing discus- We were not going to adopt a sion between employees and their supervisors, and cookie cutter approach just to employee self-rating. Eff ective January 1, the new policy and form get a new form out there have been in use for nearly half a year, with positive results, said Donson. Required for all non-rep without the interactive input employees, the New Performance Appraisal class of several managers. has provided subordinates and supervisors with a mutual understanding of terminology and how the “Having been involved in the development of PAULA DONSON rating system is supposed to work. Th us far, 99 of the new form and process, I was pleased with both the Alaska Railroad’s 167 non-represented employ- the interaction of participants and the collaborative ees have completed the class. results,” said Engebretson, who has used the form “We wanted something that was eff ective for to appraise seven non-reps, including himself. “Th is people in our company culture. We were not going new process allows for individuals to provide their to adopt a cookie cutter approach just to get a new own evaluation as well as point out many of their form out there without the interactive input of personal achievements. I encourage participants to several managers,” said Donson. Th e new form was make the evaluation process a time to highlight the developed with the input of a team including Erin success of their eff orts as well as those shared goals.” Cork, Doug Engebretson, Shawnessy Hughes, Suzie While the new appraisal system was designed Kiger, Susan Lindemuth and Rosezetta Proctor. for non-reps, it can be used as an advisory tool “Th e performance behaviors identifi ed in for represented employees,” said Donson. In fact, the new form are also more contemporary, and Engebretson said he has used the new process to as- represent traits found in the 360 degree feedback sess individual represented employees, although he process,” said Donson. “Th ey were also identifi ed as understands this does not replace union-approved traits of the productive worker.” agreements with regard to performance assessments. “We wanted to be sure the form provided a tool Th e new appraisal process has been used on for constructive feedback, many opportunities for supervisors too. “Some managers have even asked interaction, and feedback from one level above the subordinates to rate them, the manager, using the employee’s boss,” Donson added. “We also made form,” said Donson, noting this says something very sure the form provided an opportunity to update positive about the usefulness of the new process.

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE BOARD PROGESSES IN CEO SEARCH

Th e search for a new Alaska Railroad chief ment, excellent public relations and communication executive offi cer (CEO) continues to progress. By skills, a background in the transportation industry early May, ads were posted in local newspapers and or supply chain management, and experience with national trade publications, and a notice was posted unions and the Alaska markets. on the Alaska Railroad web site. About 100 appli- Th e committee will narrow the applicants down cations were received by the June 11 deadline. to a short list of those who meet these criteria. Later Th e Alaska Railroad Board of Directors appoint- this summer, the entire board will then consider the ed a CEO Search Committee comprised of Chair- short list and decide which candidates to interview. man John Binkley and Directors Jon Cook and “Th e board is very comfortable with the interim JOHN BINKLEY Linda Leary. Th e committee is currently reviewing leadership,” said Binkley. “Th is means we can take and assessing the applications with several goals in the time necessary to do a thorough job in fi nding mind. Th e board is looking for someone with busi- the best person for the CEO position.” ness experience, decisive leadership, proven manage- Th e board expects to select a CEO by fall. SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD EMPLOYEE BIKE-TO-WORK SURVEY RESULTS

At least 30 railroaders say they bike to work Amy. “My trip is about 12 miles, so it’s important often or sometimes, according to a recent employee to be able to shower when I arrive.” 122ND QTR 2010 survey. Of the 33 who responded, three said they A number of reasons were given for biking to biked to work year-round, but the majority did work, and most gave more than one reason. Almost so in the summer (26), while all (29) riders appreciated the great exercise. “I get more than half indicated they exercise and commute all in one… it’s a two-fer!” also biked in spring (18) and said Wendy Lindskoog. Ray Sanderford agreed, fall (18). “I’d ride year round “What would just be my drive time also becomes except I live near Kincaid and exercise/fi tness time; two birds with one stone!” I’m too scared to ride along the Twenty-six respondents agreed biking is fun; Coastal Trail from the chalet in 22 said biking reduced stress and 22 did it for the the dark by myself,” said Maura fuel savings. More than half (18) cited pollution Shea. “Th e roads aren’t a great reduction; 14 said they wanted less wear-and-tear option in the winter because I on their vehicles; 12 were challenged by friends and have to be too close to cars.” co-workers; 11 live close to the railroad; 8 want to Six say they bike every day; avoid traffi c delays and 8 can burn enough calories 15 bike two to four times a to eat whatever they want. week, four bike once a week, Railroad bike riders say they stay motivated and six say they bike infre- by simply feeling better (24); through the en- quently. Half (15) are relative couragement of friends and co-workers (14); by bike-to-work newcomers with money saved (12); and losing some weight. One two or fewer years under their rider noted he had lost 25 pounds since 2007 and belts; 12 have been biking to another had lost 6 pounds in just over one month. work for three to six years, One rider stayed motivated by keeping in shape one has done so for 12 years, for bigger biking events. One respondent felt a and one has biked to work for monetary motivator may be in order. “People that a whopping 31 years. Sev- use alternate transportation (buses, bikes, carpools) ABOVE: eral respondents mentioned should be rewarded or given a bonus for helping LORRI WINCHESTER obstacles to riding more often. “I’d bike more if I maintain the environment,” said Juno Prochazka. PREPS FOR THE RIDE didn’t often have to drop my kids at daycare in the Nearly everyone wore at least some safety gear, HOME AFTER WORK AT morning,” said Barbara Amy. “I can only do it when with helmet (22) at the top of the list, followed by THE HEADQUARTERS the weather, my errands, and my husband’s work gloves (21), refl ective material (21), sturdy shoes BUILDING. schedule align.” (20), and protective clothing (11). One person said Railroaders bike to work up and down the rail- their sunglasses served as a wind guard, and another RIGHT: belt. Th e Headquarters (HQ) building in Anchor- said she wore a mirror and bear bells. EDIE HOUSE GEARS UP age is the most popular destination with 16; fol- FOR THE RIDE HOME lowed by the Anchorage Operations Center (AOC) AFTER WORK AT THE with seven; Anchorage Yard Mechanical Shops (2); HEADQUARTERS Seward Depot (2); Anchorage Historic Depot (1); BUILDING. Fairbanks Yard Mechanical Shop (1); Fairbanks Depot (1); and Talkeetna Depot (1). Most said they found the available bike racks adequate at these facilities, but a few had suggestions for improve- ments, including covered racks and additional racks. Th e Alaska Railroad provides showers and lock- ers in the HQ and AOC, and lockers at Anchor- age Signal & Telecom and several buildings in the Anchorage and Fairbanks yards. A handful of riders say they don’t use these facilities because: “Th e ride is too short,” “I don’t ride that hard,” “I’m a ger- maphobe,” and “too inconvenient.” But two-thirds (20) of the bike riders do use facilities to clean up at work. (PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE “If we didn’t have the locker/shower room, I WHEELER) probably wouldn’t bike in at all,” noted Barbara SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS ALL ABOARD 20 RAILROADERS ACCEPT BIKE CHALLENGE

Th e local chapter of the American Institute of Within a week, I had a full team — the Chain Architects has organized a Summer Bike Challenge Gang.” that encourages bicyclists in teams to compete for “I have read articles about this sort of challenge 2ND13 QTR 2010 prizes based on miles ridden during people-powered occurring in other places — Portland for instance commuting between May 21 and September 21. — and had even mentioned to Greg Lotakis about Chain Gang Th e railroad boasts two such teams, thanks to the challenging other transportation fi rms, like DOT, Captain: initiative of Jeanette Holt and Lorri Winchester. so when I got an email from Jeannette about the Jeanette Holt Th ey are among 22 teams with a total of 185 people AIA Bike Challenge I defi nitely wanted to be a part participating in the Alaska challenge. of it,” said Winchester. But Jeanette’s team fi lled up Annette Baker “I got involved when a friend from the Munici- so fast that Winchester had to start a new team and Stephan Conlan pality of Anchorage asked me to join her bike-to- she quickly recruited the Single Trackers. Mike Grunwald work team,” said Holt. Luckily for the railroad, the “Based on comments from team members, the friend’s team fi lled up, and Jeanette was encouraged team concept has been a big infl uence on commit- Edie House to start her own team. “I sent out an e-mail to fel- ting to riding,” observed Winchester. “Some on my Russ Martin low railroaders looking for 7-10 people willing to team had not ridden to work before and seem to be Kelly Reinhardt bike two or more days a week during the summer. really enjoying it. Th ere has been some friendly rib- bing regarding the competition but I think Maura Shea Team Statistics May 21 to June 21 most of us look at it as one big team to sup- TJ Sheffi eld Chain Gang Single Trackers port and encourage each other to ride.” Crystal Wilson TOTAL TEAM MILES: ...... 1,639 ...... 1,582 “Th is challenge has brought together POUNDS OF CO2 OFFSET: . . . . . 1,639 ...... 1,582 many railroaders in various departments all Single Trackers CALORIES BURNED: ...... 106,522 ...... 102,850 with a common goal to commute to work MONEY SAVED: ...... $361 ...... $348 along the streets and trails of Anchorage Captain: GALLONS OF FUEL SAVED: ...... 82 ...... 79 and Eagle River,” agreed Holt. “It has been Lorri Winchester so great to see so many familiar faces at the NOTES: Dennis Bouwens railroad bike racks, locker rooms and the *1) BASED ON 20LB CO2/GAL BURNED AND 20MPG VEHICLE Jason Dennis *2) BASED ON AN AVERAGE BODY WEIGHT AND MODERATE EXERCISE surrounding commuter trails. In the end *3) BASED ON 2009 AAA DATA, 20MPG VEHICLE AND $3.30/GAL FUEL we gain the exercise benefi ts and enjoy the Pat Kelly *4) BASED ON 20MPG VEHICLE ride.” Greg Lotakis Jeremiah Osborne

30 RAILROADERS AND FAM- Mark Peterburs RAILROAD CHEW-CHEWS WALK ILY SUPPORTED THE VISITOR James Pype INDUSTRY CHARITY WALK ON Jeff Rognes MAY 7, GENERATING A $900 Don Worthley CONTRIBUTION. PICTURED:

FRONT ROW, L-R: SHEILA THROCKMORTON, AAREN MACKENZIE, ANNA SALAZAR, MEGAN OSTENDORF, KELLY AND JOE REINHARDT WITH TWINS JUSTICE ANDTYRAN, LINDA BERG, ROBERT RUSSELL AND KAREN LEIS.

BACK ROW, L-R: MONICA DOXTATER, JIM AND LINDA EICHELBERGER, KATHYRN KESSLER, CAROL BONDOC, JO RAMOS, DESIREE ACKERMAN, ANNETTE BAKER, ISSAC AND BRUCE LALONDE, ANN MCIL- HARGIE, TINA LALONDE, DAVE AND DEANNA BLAZEJEWSKI. SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY AND SECURITY ALL ABOARD B&B6, SAFETY COORDINATE BRIDGE REPAIR

Th e Bridge & Building (B&B) 6 crew began that rivet-busting exceeded the OSHA Permissible work in early May to reinforce the bridge over the Exposure Limit by six times. Th erefore, hearing pro- 142ND QTR 2010 Matanuska River fl ood plains at Milepost 147.5. tection was required when performing this work.” Bridge forces had discovered fatigue cracks in the At breaks and at the end of the day, crewmem- bridge support structures, which required rein- bers decontaminated themselves with cleaning forcement with diagonal bracing as a remedy. To supplies and a process for segregating “clean” versus proceed, crews had to bust out old rivets in order to “contaminated” equipment and clothing. Th e bolt the new supports to the old structures. work area was cordoned off and marked with signs Th e work posed warning “Lead: No eating or drinking beyond this some lead- and noise- point.” based safety issues. Likewise, visitors to the bridge work site donned B&B 6 consulted the disposable protection suits and decontaminated Railroad’s Safety De- themselves when leaving. Visitors who assisted the partment and followed crew with rivet-busting work were provided with Occupational Safety & respirator and hearing protection as well. Health Administration Th anks to the full support of the safety offi ce, (OSHA) regulations to solid pre-planning and on-site diligence, the bridge protect their health and work was accomplished two weeks ahead of sched- safety during the job. ule and without incident in late June, said General Older bridges such Bridges Supervisor Al Price. “A second eff ort may as Bridge147.5 were be required, based on our consultant’s fi nal report,” originally coated with said Price. “If additional strengthening is required, ABOVE: B&B 6 CREW lead-based paint to provide durable protection from it will likely be winter work.” MEMBERS BUST RIVETS corrosion and weather. When rivets are busted, ON BRIDGE 147.5 IN small particles of paint are released. To avoid breath- PREPARATION FOR ADD- ing and other exposure to paint particles, workers ING DIAGONAL BRACING were trained how to work with lead-based paint, TO THE AGING BRIDGE and provided with respiratory and other personal SUPPORT STRUCTURES. protection equipment (PPE). Additionally, the Safety Department collected RIGHT: B&B 6 CRANE air samples to test paint dust concentration and OPERATOR TRAINEE exposure to ensure respiratory protection was CRAIG HANSON IS adequate. Crew members were also monitored for OUTFITTED WITH RESPI- noise exposure during loud rivet-busting activity, RATORY AND HEARING said Safety/Environment Director Mark Mitchell. PROTECTION, AND PRO- “I sent air samples to a lab to determine the TECTIVE CLOTHING AS concentration of 12 diff erent metals and the total HE PREPARES TO WORK particle load,” explained Mitchell. “Noise testing ON BRIDGE 147.5. results were calculated on-site and we confi rmed NOTE THE AIR SAMPLE BEING COLLECTED AND THE NOISE DOSIMETER CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE MICROPHONE ATTACHED TO HIS LEFT SHOULDER. BOARD, LEASE NOTICES MOVE TO WEB SITE (PHOTOS BY MARK MITCHELL) Th e Alaska Railroad’s public notice of its board As Internet access and use continue to rise, of directors’ meetings and land disposals (including online notice is viewed as a preferred forum for leases and material sales) is migrating to the web reaching the public. (For example, Municipality site — www.AlaskaRailroad.com/corporate. Th e of Anchorage offi cials note that 85% of the city’s change is eff ective immediately. A new rule change households have a computer and Internet access.) approved by the Board of Directors in May 2010 Th e railroad expects to save thousands of dollars means most ARRC legal advertising in newspapers each year by advertising board meetings, land leases, will be replaced with online notices that are avail- gravel sales and similar activities on the railroad’s able to the public around the clock. web site. CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ALL ABOARD NRE CONSTRUCTION MANAGER SELECTED

Th e Alaska Railroad is in the process of award- put Alaskans to work and is a win-win for ARRC, ing Kiewit Pacifi c Co. the contract for construction the state, and our economy,” said Bill O’Leary, management and general contracting (CMGC) for ARRC Interim President/CEO and Chief Financial 2ND15 QTR 2010 Phase One of the Northern Rail Extension, which Offi cer. includes the Tanana River bridge and levee near Sal- Phase One will create approximately 100 cha. Construction is expected to begin in late 2010. temporary construction jobs. It will also provide Kiewit Corporation is one of the largest employ- year-round access to one of the largest military ee-owned construction fi rms in the nation and has training areas in North America. Construction on been working in Alaska for more than 60 years. Phase Two, linking North Pole to the bridge, may “Kiewit is a local contractor with robust national begin in 2012. resources and support,” said ARRC Project Manager Th e Northern Rail Extension entails an 80-mile Brian Lindamood. “We are confi dent in Kiewit’s long rail line that extends rail infrastructure from ability to build what will ultimately be the largest North Pole to Delta Junction. Th e new rail line will bridge in the state.” provide freight and potential future passenger rail Phase One funding includes $104 million in services that serve commercial interests and com- previous Department of Defense appropriations, munities in Interior Alaska. Th e extension will be and a recent $40 million appropriation from the operated as part of the Alaska Railroad system. As State of Alaska. Phase One key elements include a common carrier, the line will be available to the fi nal design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, general public, commercial, and military shippers material procurement and construction. including agricultural and resource development “Hiring Kiewit brings us one step closer to businesses. signifi cantly improving transportation options for More information is available on the project the United States military, for mass transit, and for web site: www.northernrailextension.com. freight movement within Alaska. Th is project will

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE ARRC ADDS ‘GRAVEL TRAINS’ WEB PAGE

Motorists in Palmer and Anchorage have Anchorage International Airport and numerous noticed an increase in summer train traffi c, particu- road improvement projects. Train transport remains larly at crossings, as gravel trains are added to the one of the most economical, least disruptive and Alaska Railroad’s daily mix. To help drivers plan safest ways to move gravel and other bulk com- ahead to avoid delays at train-occupied crossings, modities. the Alaska Railroad has added a “Gravel Trains” page to its corporate web site. Th e page includes information on road/rail crossing delays in Anchorage and Palmer along with alternate routes to avoid those de- lays. Th e section also includes background information about how and why gravel trains are scheduled, impacts to specifi c road/rail crossings, and the economics of moving gravel. Check it out at: www.AlaskaRailroad.com/Corporate Click on Community, then Gravel Trains With summer comes Alaska’s con- struction season and a corresponding demand for gravel. Alaska Railroad hauls between two and three million tons of gravel each year in support of southcen- tral Alaska capital projects, such as the major expansion project at Ted Stevens PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID AALLLL AABOARDBOARD ANCHORAGE, AK PERMIT NO. 500 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

Alaska Railroad Corporation P.O. Box 107500 Anchorage, AK 99510-7500 Printed on recycled Member & www.AlaskaRailroad.com paper Suppporter

SECOND QUARTER 2010 RAILROAD SELECTS 2011 PRINT ARTIST PALMER ARTIST TO DEPICT FREIGHT TRAIN CROSSING MATANUSKA RIVER BRIDGE

Th e Alaska Railroad selected Palmer artist Douglas Girard Anchorage Historic and Fairbanks depots, to create the artwork for the 2011 ARRC print/poster. Girard as well as the online Gift Shop. Railroad was among more than two dozen Alaskan artists who submit- employees are each provided one compli- ted entries. He will depict a freight train crossing the Mata- mentary poster. Employees who wish to DOUGLAS GIRARD nuska River Bridge. purchase a print will be able to reserve a “I feel privileged to be a part of Alaska Railroad history, print with a particular number in late fall. even if only in a small way. I also feel lucky to be able to follow in the footsteps of some of Alaska’s best artists,” said Girard. Since 1979 the Alaska Railroad has commissioned an artist annually to produce artwork as the basis for limited edition prints, posters, lapel pins and other collectables. Girard earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Distinc- tion in Illustration from the Art Center College of Design in California. He has worked as a freelance illustrator, taught art classes and completed numerous private commissions. His artwork is sold through galleries in Anchorage, Wasilla and Palmer. Girard has been featured by local and national news media, and his paintings are included in national and interna- tional collections. As in years past, the Railroad will produce 750 signed and numbered prints and 4,000 posters. Th e 2011 prints/post- ers will be available for sale in December 2010 through the A ROUGH SKETCH FORMS THE BASIS FOR THE PAINTING.