Railroad Ongoing Projects:

Fairbanks Intermodal Facility Corporation 1st Quarter, 2005 Collision Avoidance System www.alaskarailroad.com • (907) 265-2300 ISER OUTLINES ARRC ECONOMIC IMPACTS Fish Passage Improvements Recent research quantifies jobs, payroll attributed to ARRC Anchorage-to-Wasilla A new report by the University of average of 800 ARRC employees, this in- Track Realignment Alaska’s Institute for Social and state spending also supports approximately Economic Research (ISER) 1,100 non-Railroad Alaskan jobs ranging reaffirms what many railroaders from health care services to restaurants to Anchorage Rail Capacity Study already know - the Alaska retail trade. Railroad Corporation (ARRC) has a significant, positive impact on In addition to fiscal value, the ISER report Whistle Noise Reduction System the state’s economy and the lives discusses other benefits that stem from the of Alaskans. In a nutshell, ARRC Railroad’s existence. For example, ARRC Aspending supports nearly 1,900 enables economic development by Anchorage Yard Ops Center Alaskan jobs and pumps more than $83 providing an efficient transportation link million each year in payroll into the state’s necessary for Alaska businesses. economy. A report summary is included in this issue Ship Creek Intermodal Center ISER ‘s published report outlines of Community Ties. The full ISER report is ARRC’s economic significance to available on ISER’s website at Alaska by examining Railroad www.iser.uaa.alaska.edu. Improved Sidings & Signals spending for the 2001-to-2003 time period. The Whittier Development Planning review found that ARRC spends an Seward Loading average of $108 million each year in Alaska; this is split between For updates or comments on payroll for Railroad employees (41%) and purchases from these projects, visit the Alaska Alaska businesses (59%). Railroad web site at www.AlaskaRailroad.com The $108 million is roughly two-thirds of the total average annual ARRC expenditures for 2001, 2002 and 2003. In addition to an 2004 PRODUCES RECORD EARNINGS Alaska Railroad releases its 2004 Annual Report

he Alaska Railroad’s 2004 critical component to ARRC’s Annual Report is now efforts to modernize its trains, available on-line at the tracks and infrastructure through railroad’s web site — capital projects. More than $82 www.alaskarailroad.com. million was spent in 2004 to Printed copies are available upgrade bridges and the after April 15 by contacting railbed, and to build several ARRC’s Public Affairs Officer new facilities, including the Tim Thompson, 265-2695. Fairbanks Intermodal Facility T and Anchorage Operations The picture-packed document Center. features a review of the Alaska Railroad’s major accomplishments in In addition to financial and passenger and freight operations, infrastructure milestones, capital improvements, community the railroad’s safety results investments, and financial were right on par with performance. With total revenues of 2003’s record-setting levels. The $129.5 million and total expenses of Alaska Railroad had fewer and less $114.1 million, the Alaska Railroad severe injuries, and our train incident netted $15.4 million in 2004. rate was substantially lower than the Net income, which is all invested national average. back into the railroad, provides the

4 MOMENT IN HISTORY: TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME!

By 1917, the Alaska Railroad construction was well of baseball fans from Anchorage, who are heading to underway, and construction crews had peaked at the town of Potter Creek (later called Potter) along 4,500 workers, many residing in an around the Turnagain Arm by way of Alaska Engineering construction town of Anchorage. Pictured is a group Commission Railway cars. Baseball games were frequently played in the town of Potter Creek and at the Alaska Engineering Commission Grounds in Ship Creek. Games were later moved to “baseball field,” in the new town site of Anchorage. The Alaska Engineering Commission sponsored a number of different sporting events and teams in the early years of the Alaska Railroad. COMMUNITY TIES DISTRIBUTION IS UPDATED, REFINED Do you want to remain on the newsletter mailing list? The Alaska Railroad is updating and revising the mailing list for the Community Ties newsletter. It has been five years since the original mailing list was created, and since that time, ARRC realizes that some contacts have moved, changed jobs, or simply may not wish to receive the newsletter.

Community Ties was originally developed to keep community, civic, and government leaders abreast of rail- road developments. As such, ARRC will continue to send the newsletter to state legislators, city mayors, assembly, and city council members, along with key planning positions at the state and local level. Executive directors and officers of statewide business and trade organizations (RDC, ATIA, AOGA, AMA, ATA, AGC, etc.) railbelt convention & visitors bureaus, state and local chambers of commerce, railbelt school district superin- tendents / board officers, and community council presidents will also remain on the list. In addition, Community Ties will continue to be sent to all ARRC land lessees, business customers, and current key proj- ect contractors and vendors.

If you are receiving this newsletter, and you do not fall into one of the above-noted categories, but do want to continue receiving Community Ties, please: • Check the “keep on mailing list” box on the back cover, showing your address, and fax to 265-2365. • Or email your name and address to [email protected] • Or call ARRC’s Stephenie Wheeler at 265-2671 with your name and mailing information

MILITARY ON THE MOVE Railroad underscores reliability with transport of Interior’s Army battalion

he Alaska Railroad took part in a recent move “Our railroad team proved we can be called on for for the 4th Battallion, 123rd Aviation Regiment - important, time sensitive movements,” said Pat Gamble, better known as the Arctic President and CEO. Knights — moving “The U.S. military equipment from Fort plays an important Wainwright, near role from its strategic Fairbanks, to the Port of location in Alaska. Anchorage, where it was They need to know then shipped to Kuwait. they can count on us T101 railcars were used to transport when they get the the equipment from the B and C word to move and companies of the 123rd. move quickly. Our crews can do a great

Soldiers and equipment are being Army rail cars hitch a ride on the Alaska Railroad. job for the Army.” deployed to the Middle East making this the first time since World War II that this With plans to move more equipment of this size — and many company units have been deployed from Fort possibly bigger — in the near future, the U.S. Army has Wainwright. proof that the railroad can and will meet the military’s shipping needs. ANCHORAGE OPERATIONS CENTER OPENS Railroaders move into ARRC’s new nerve center for rail operations

he new Alaska Railroad operations center was fully functional March 1. Employees began moving in mid- February. The $9.54 million dollar project was on Tbudget and took only 10 months to complete.

The Operations Center will coordinate and support Anchorage yard operations and railbelt train activities. The new facility is a 23,000 square foot, three story building, spacious enough to The Anchorage Operations Center at 825 Whitney Rd nears completion in February 2005. accommodate approximately 200 crew and The building, located at 825 Whitney Road, was management personnel for passenger and freight designed by Kumin Associates. The principal operations. Unique features of the building include an construction contractors included Alaska Mechanical, observation tower that oversees the rail yard for more Inc., Architects Alaska, AMC Engineers and BBFM

efficient train assembly and management. Engineers.

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2005 COMMUNITY TIES MAILING LIST LIST MAILING TIES COMMUNITY 2005

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PERMIT NO. 500 NO. PERMIT

Anchorage, Alaska 99510-7500 Alaska Anchorage,

ANCHORAGE, AK ANCHORAGE,

P.O. Box 107500 Box P.O.

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Alaska Railroad Ongoing Projects:

Eielson Branch Realignment

Alaska Railroad Corporation Northern Rail Extension 2nd Quarter, 2005 www.alaskarailroad.com • (907) 265-2300 Fairbanks Intermodal Facility

SAFETY: RAILROAD MEASURES UP Collision Avoidance System Midway through 2005, ARRC is on track to meet safety goals

ith the year half over, the of injured, off-work employees. On the Fish Passage Improvements Alaska Railroad is measuring equipment side, ARRC is on track to reduce up to its 2005 corporate safety vehicle and heavy equipment accidents by goals. Railroad employees are 25 percent, and the ARRC train accident Anchorage-to-Wasilla operating more safely than rate is on par with the national average. Track Realignment ever, even as the work tempo has accelerated given new and From mid-June to early September expanded services. Injury passenger and freight train activity are at Anchorage Rail Capacity Study frequency is the lowest in peak levels. At the same time, ARRC must Whistory at mid-year – 1.68 per accomplish the bulk of its track 200,000 man-hours; and total days lost due maintenance, facility construction and to injuries remains below the 30.0 goal. repair. Not surprisingly, there has been a Whistle Noise Reduction System Worker compensation costs continue to traditional spike in accidents during the decline, due to one of the shortest lists ever busy summer months. see “Safety...” on page 3 Crossbuck Illumination Test

Ship Creek Intermodal Center

Improved Sidings & Signals

South Wasilla Rail Realignment

Seward Coal Loading Facility

For updates or comments on these projects, visit the Alaska

The Spirit of Fairbanks locomotive breaks through a giant ribbon during a May 26 celebration of Railroad web site at the opening of the new Fairbanks Depot. See photo-story inside. (Photo by Al Grillo.) www.AlaskaRailroad.com INTERIOR STUDIES UNDERWAY Railroad considers rail realignment and extension

he Alaska Railroad is taking a closer look at two projects in Alaska’s Interior. About $14 million in funding from the U.S. Defense Department made it possible to do design and study potential environmental impacts associated with realigning the railroad track around Fort Wainwright and North Pole, as well as for extending the track from North Pole on down to Fort Greely / Delta Junction. Both studies got underway in late spring. Hurricane Gulch is a 1920s marvel.

The realignment — known as the Eielson Branch Realignment — MOMENT IN HISTORY Tproposes to realign up to 16 miles of branch track around commercial, This Aug. 15, 1921 photo shows residential, and military areas between Fairbanks and North Pole, as well as the Alaska Engineering Commis- upgrade another 3-4 miles along the project corridor. Several alternatives sion Railway construction of the are being considered for realignment through Fort Wainwright and crossing Hurricane Gulch bridge, which the Richardson Highway. Once south of the highway, the track will likely be used 1500 tons of steel and cost on, or adjacent to, the flood dike along the Tanana River. The railroad hired $1.5 million. URS to carry out the Environmental Assessment (EA) work, which kicked off with public and agency fact-finding meetings held in late June and early July. “Confidence ran high during con- The railroad anticipates an EA document will be ready for public review struction of the enormous hinged early next year, pending approval from the Federal Railroad Administration arch, buttressed as it was against (FRA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the lead federal agencies. solid rock on both sides. On-site photographs of the project at The extension — known as the Northern Rail Extension — would extend the Hurricane defy belief. Crews, like track from Eielson AFB, about 80 miles southeast to Fort Greely, near Delta trapeze artists suspended hun- 4 dreds of feet in the air, rendered Junction. This project is directed at meeting the growing training and exacting performances as they mobility needs of military forces in Alaska. Extended rail would afford year- 5 moved about the unconnected round access to the Tanana Flats and Donnelly military training areas, and scaffolding. Steam shovel opera- connect them to other military installations in Alaska, as well as to the Port tors, with their frosted mustaches of Anchorage . Due to the project’s extensive nature, an Environmental and multiple layers of thick cloth- Impact Statement (EIS) (as opposed to an EA) is being prepared. Because the ing, tirelessly dug excavations for project involves new railroad construction, the Surface Transportation Board the approach spans, leaving (STB) is preparing the EIS, while the FRA administers the funding. The splotches of dirt on the carpet of project team anticipates a draft EIS will be ready in late 2006 with a final EIS snow in their wake. A four-ton and Record of Decision completed by late 2007. cable way transferred unwieldy construction materials back and Fact sheets and additional information, including public meetings schedules, forth across the gulch, another on both projects are available at www.alaskarailroad.com/projects. adaptation of measures once used in Panama. American Bridge Company crews began fabrication and cantilever erection of the New FRA Train Horn Rule in Effect 918-foot span on June 8, 1921. Beginning in late June, the Federal Railroad Administration new train Sixty working days later, the first horn rule went into effect, requiring train engineers to sound the horn train passed over it. at least 15-20 seconds before a crossing and to continue sounding the Editor’s note: Excerpted from the horn until the crossing is reached. More information is available at book, “Get Mears,” by Anchorage www.fra.dot.gov, and on ARRC’s Whistle Noise Reduction System Test author Katharine Carson Crittenden. fact sheet at www.alaskarailroad.com/projects. NEW FAIRBANKS INTERMODAL FACILITY OPENS With historical roots, new depot offers a fresh gateway into Interior Alaska

small crowd gathered at 1745 Johansen across the tracks, celebrating another milestone in the Expressway on May 26. At precisely 4:00 p.m., Railroad’s quest to modernize its infrastructure. The new everyone turned to stare east down the tracks Fairbanks Intermodal Facility and Depot was in fact open as the Spirit of Fairbanks locomotive rolled 10 days prior to the depot dedication event, in time to toward them. Inching forward, the train broke service the first of thousands of train passengers who will Athrough a giant ceremonial ribbon stretched come to the Interior this summer.

ARRC Chair John Binkley, North Pole Mayor Jeff Jacobsen, Fairbanks Mayor Steve Thompson, ARRC Track Inspector The new depot’s architecture is steeped in Clifford Giles and ARRC President/CEO tradition, harkening back to railroad stations Pat Gamble cut the dedication ribbon. existing at the turn of the century in Alaska.

Alaskan Made: From design, to engineering, to construction — the new depot is the product of Alaskan craftsmanship. The Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club, a As passengers disembark the train, they walk straight cornerstone tenant of the old depot for years, into the spacious 12,500 square foot terminal. has set up shop in the new depot.

The railroad has worked hard to buck that recording the two best years ARRC has trend. Over the past two years — ever had for safety — and, not coinciden- SAFETY... especially last year — railroaders have tally, the two most profitable years in ARRC flattened out the traditional summer spike, history. ARRC BOARD WELCOMES TWO NEW MEMBERS Governor appoints Anchorage and Fairbanks civic leaders to Railroad Board

overnor Murkowski strategic business consulting firm. recently appointed Ralston fills a seat designated for a retired General Joe member from the third judicial Ralston of Anchorage district. His term expires October and Orie Williams of 3, 2008. Fairbanks to the Board of Directors of the Orie Williams is President/CEO of Alaska Railroad. Doyon, Limited. He is a Doyon shareholder and was previously a GGeneral Ralston served 37 years in member of the Doyon Board of General Joe Ralston Orie Williams the Air Force, finishing his Directors. He serves on the Board distinguished career as Commander, U.S. European of Native American Contractors Association and recently Command and the Supreme Allied Commander of chaired the Advisory Board on Alcoholism and Drug NATO. He previously served as Vice Chairman of the Abuse. He has been involved with the Nenana Tribal Joint Chiefs of Staff. Earlier in his career, General Ralston Council, the Bureau of Land Management Land headed the Alaska Command and the Alaskan NORAD Managers’ Task Force, and other civic and charitable Region. Upon his retirement in 2003, he and his wife organizations. Williams fills a seat designated for a returned to Anchorage. He currently serves as Vice member from the fourth judicial district. His term

Chairman of The Cohen Group, an international expires October 3, 2009.

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PERMIT NO. 500 NO. PERMIT

Anchorage, Alaska 99510-7500 Alaska Anchorage,

ANCHORAGE, AK ANCHORAGE,

P.O. Box 107500 Box P.O.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S.

Alaska Railroad Corporation Railroad Alaska PRSRT STD PRSRT Alaska Railroad Ongoing Projects:

Eielson Branch Realignment

Alaska Railroad Corporation Northern Rail Extension 3rd Quarter, 2005 www.alaskarailroad.com • (907) 265-2300 Fairbanks Intermodal Facility

ARRC PASSENGER BUSINESS BOOMS Collision Avoidance System Gold Star first class service popularity exceeds expectations Fish Passage Improvements

Anchorage-to-Wasilla Track Realignment

Anchorage Rail Capacity Study

Whistle Noise Reduction System The notably taller new double decker dome cars provide a distinctive first-class experience, which began with the 2005 summer passenger season. (Photo by Tim Thompson)

he 2005 passenger rail season was The advent of the first class Gold Star Crossbuck Illumination Test one of the railroad’s best in terms service aboard the ARRC’s new double- of passenger volume and revenue. decker dome cars was partly responsible for Ridership on daily trains — the the boost in passenger revenues. The Gold Ship Creek Intermodal Center (Anchorage-Fairbanks), Star service – offered as part of the Denali (Anchorage-Seward) Star — was clearly a popular option for and (Anchorage- independent travelers who booked rail Improved Sidings & Signals Whittier-Spencer Glacier-Grandview) packages in particular. The railroad sold — increased by nearly 8,000 more than 14,500 Gold Star upgrades, Tsegments over 2004. Revenue for beating the budget by 2,000 segments. South Wasilla Rail Realignment 2005 from ARRC’s own railcar/package sales was up about $1.7 million over 2004. With the summer passenger season wrapped up, the charter season begins in Seward Coal Loading Facility About half of the Alaska Railroad’s total earnest. More than a dozen charters were passenger revenues come from pulling rail scheduled in September and October, cars belonging to cruise companies. The including a new “Blues Train” featuring an successful new Princess “Direct to overnight stay in Seward. During the winter For updates or comments on Wilderness” program is one example of months, the railroad offers once-weekly growth in this segment of the passenger passenger service between Anchorage and these projects, visit the Alaska business. In total, passenger revenue Fairbanks, and the once-monthly Hurricane Railroad web site at increased about $3 million over 2004. Turn. www.AlaskaRailroad.com PROJECTS AND THE PUBLIC ARRC offers “face time” in Interior, Southcentral

Several Alaska Railroad projects are moving into phases that call for public awareness and input. In response, ARRC project teams have organized recent meetings that offer one-on-one interaction Loop Track in service 1918-1951. with citizens most likely to be interested. MOMENT IN HISTORY Interior – ARRC’s proposed Northern Rail This 1923 picture offers a view of Extension from Eielson Bartlett Glacier from under the to Delta Junction is Sexpected to move into an loop trestle, a circular structure that crossed the railroad over environmental analysis and itself, and was built to overcome preliminary engineering phase that the Kenai mountains’ steep will be overseen by the Surface grades. The loop was a feature of Transportation Board (STB). In the More than 100 landowners attend meetings to the Grandview area, which, at an meantime, the rail-road has discuss route options with Northern Rail altitude of 1,060 feet, is the high- accomplished some aerial Extension project manager Brett Flint (center). est point reached by the ARRC. photography and preliminary land surveys to help delineate extension route alternatives. This activity has spurred interest from communities along the The name Grandview was given extension corridor. On September 19-20, the railroad visited Salcha, North by early Alaska pioneer Nellie Lawing (“Alaska Nellie”) because Pole and Delta Junction to talk with local government and private of the area’s grand view. Due to landowners who may be affected by various route alternatives. The meetings its beauty, Grandview has since were well-attended, allowing residents to ask questions, while the railroad been favored by Nordic skiers, as gleaned valuable local insight. well as rail passengers whom the 4 railroad accommodates with regu- Anchorage – The Ship Creek Intermodal lar stops for picture-taking. Transportation Center5 project has moved into the final design phase. In August, the During the railroad’s construction, ARRC Board of Directors approved a the Alaska Engineering Commis- design concept that preserves the historic sion (AEC) was tasked with recon- depot as a centerpiece, and provides for ditioning the loop. Alaska Nellie safer, smoother pedestrian traffic flow operated a roadhouse in the area between downtown and Ship Creek to house and feed AEC railroad Ship Creek Intermodal project manager recreational opportunities. The project construction workers. Meals cost Deb Allen discusses the scale model. 50 cents and overnight accommo- team organized an open house October dations cost a dollar. 6 to unveil the design via presentations. About 80 people attended the presentations, asked questions of the project manager and architect, and The loop was rendered safe for viewed display boards and a scaled model. travel in 1918 and continued to carry passengers until 1951. By Wasilla – The railroad invited Mat-Su Valley residents to a public meeting then, Bartlett Glacier had receded, October 18 to discuss the findings of an environmental assessment (EA) of and a more stable route was built the railroad’s South Wasilla Track Realignment. The project would improve on ground that had been covered safety and efficiency of railroad operations by straightening about four miles with 75 to 100 feet of ice. of mainline track in the southeast portion of Wasilla. About ______residents

Sources: Alaska Museum of History & Art, showed up to discuss the findings of the EA, which describes the alternatives ARRC VP Jim Blasingame, and Katharine considered, and the related environmental, social and economic impacts of Carson Crittenden’s book, Get Mears. the proposed project. Public comment will be accepted through Nov. 2. ARRC RESPONDS WELL TO SPILL DRILL Railroad receives high marks for teamwork, technology, commitment

he ARRC received high As with any real world situation, the drill marks during its annual spill presented challenges that required flexibility. drill Oct. 6. The Environ- For example the late season’s extreme low mental Protection Agency water level forced relocation of the response (EPA) and Alaska Dept. of site. EPA and ADEC feedback emphasized Environmental Conserva- the ARRC response team’s adaptability, a tion (ADEC) observed and Fast water boom is deployed to strong mobilization effort, and productive participated in the drill, confine the simulated oil spill. communications between on-site and which is required by the ARRC’s spill command center responders. Tcontingency plan. “Teamwork between the agencies and the railroad was The drill scenario involved a southbound fuel train that the best it has ever been,” added ARRC COO Matt hit a broken rail and derailed at Billion Slough, just north Glynn. “EPA and DEC responders were visibly pleased of Talkeetna. The drill simulated two of the fuel cars and impressed with our new Anchorage Operations falling into Birch Creek, which runs into the Susitna Center’s layout and technology, expertise of our Incident River. Tank car “damage” resulted in a simulated release Management Team, and commitment the railroad has of oil into the creek, requiring deployment of fast water obviously made to spill response capability. They also boom and oil collection systems to bring the situation offered excellent suggestions and coaching, providing under control. ARRC with good direction and ideas for improvement.” A TALE OF TWO RAILROADS Coal brings Alaska Railroad and Eielson Railroad together

he Alaska Railroad is not alone. There’s another “Cold weather just slows the railroad down, and the freight-hauling railroad in Alaska, and it happens folks at Eielson understand that,” said Olson. That to start where ARRC terminates — Eielson AFB. empathy undoubtedly stems from running their own little railroad in support of the coal-fired power plant. The medium that brings the ARRC and the ERR has 10 miles of track, two GP-40 locomotives, and a Eielson Railroad (ERR) together is coal. The handful of coal cars. Alaska Railroad hauls about 185,000 tons of the stuff to Eielson to fuel the base’s Central Heat Eielson’s power plant is unique in the Air Force because and Power Plant (CH&PP). very few military bases have their own rail system. “I do T a lot of VIP tours of this plant,” said Havard. “Folks are “I know the challenges the railroad faces and I know really interested, plus everyone just likes trains. I see full- they are doing the best they can, given factors beyond bird colonels who pilot fighter jets get really excited their control,” said Bill Havard, CH&PP Operations and about riding the train.” Maintenance Superintendent. ARRC Fairbanks Terminal Superintendent Mike Olson lists a few of the challenges Certainly getting coal to Eielson’s plant is critical to the associated with extreme cold: air brake limitations base populace, but how important is the coal movement demand shorter trains; rail cars creak in protest as grease to the Alaska Railroad? In a word, “very,” said Olson. frozen nearly solid falls short of its job as a lubricant; “The coal contracts on this end of the line provide a switches and air hoses get stiff; and ice fog makes the solid, steady, year-round revenue flow. ARRC also cold permeate, sapping the strength of train crews. supplies Ft. Wainwright and Fairbanks power plants.” RAILROAD SPECIAL AGENT ARRESTS FUGITIVE Indicted “Papa Pilgrim” learns the perils of ARRC property trespass: capture!

respassing along the railroad Hale during a routine check of railroad tracks might just be even riskier property in the area. Although Hale had than you’d think. In the case of gained some notoriety from his high- fugitive John Hale – AKA Papa profile dispute with the National Park Pilgrim – entering railroad Service over access to his land inside property ended up cutting short Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, his time on the lam. Waychoff had not heard of Hale until he was handed a flier with Hale’s photo Hale had slipped away just hours before the encounter. Tbefore State Troopers could arrest him following a September 22 Recognizing Hale from the flier indictment on 30 felony charges that still lay on the dash of the including sexual assault and railroad pickup, Waychoff incest. Early afternoon on motioned for Hale to stop, and October 5 Hale was driving his then used the pickup to block the blue camper van on Eklutna Park road, preventing an escape. After Drive in Eagle River, which dead- handcuffing Hale, Waychoff ends onto railroad property. called the State Troopers to pick Top: A handcuffed John Hale awaits Troopers Alaska Railroad Special Agent on the tailgate of a railroad security pickup. up their fugitive.

John Waychoff crossed paths with Bottom: Agent Waychoff talks to Channel 2.

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PERMIT NO. 500 NO. PERMIT

Anchorage, Alaska 99510-7500 Alaska Anchorage,

ANCHORAGE, AK ANCHORAGE,

P.O. Box 107500 Box P.O.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID POSTAGE U.S.

Alaska Railroad Corporation Railroad Alaska PRSRT STD PRSRT Alaska Railroad Ongoing Projects:

Eielson Branch Realignment

Alaska Railroad Corporation Northern Rail Extension 4th Quarter, 2005 www.alaskarailroad.com • (907) 265-2300 Track Integrity System

MOOSE SALVAGE BENEFITS ALASKANS Collision Avoidance System New agreement between ARRC, Corrections and Food Bank

recently signed Memorandum of The officers and inmates will take the Fish Passage Improvements Understanding (MOU) between carcass to the farm where it will be the Food Bank of Alaska, Alaska prepared and hung in the barn. After Department of Corrections (DOC) proper aging, inmate workers will process Anchorage-to-Wasilla and the Alaska Railroad (ARRC) is the carcass in the farm’s kitchen, grinding Track Realignment aimed at more effectively the meat into one-pound packages and salvaging, processing and storing them in the freezer. distributing moose meat to lower Anchorage Rail Capacity Study income Alaska families and The Food Bank of Alaska will pick up the Aindividuals this winter. The MOU frozen packs and distribute them to soup covers moose killed along 68 miles of track kitchens, pantries, senior centers and between Wasilla and Talkeetna. charities through March 2006. Formal state Whistle Noise Reduction System or federal inspection of facilities that Under terms of the agreement, Alaska process game meat is not required. Railroad staff will move any salvageable Crossbuck Illumination Test moose carcass to an accessible road-rail ARRC is providing a small grant in support crossing within the Mat-Su Borough. The of the program. Up to $1,000 per month Railroad will then notify the Point will go to the DOC to underwrite the cost Ship Creek Intermodal Center Mackenzie Correctional Farm of the moose of fuel and meat-processing ingredients. carcass location. The correctional facility will dispatch an inmate work crew to pick The trial program will run from November Improved Sidings & Signals up the carcass under the direct supervision of 2005 to March of 2006. of correctional officers. South Wasilla Rail Realignment

Photo Courtesy: Doug Lloyd, Wasilla AK Seward Coal Loading Facility

To see more of Dougs photos vist his Website at: http://www.douglloy- dphotography.com/4436 For updates or comments on .html these projects, visit the Alaska Railroad web site at www.AlaskaRailroad.com CAPITAL PROJECT OPEN HOUSES Four events offer forum for public participation

he Alaska Railroad is organizing four open house events in January to provide the public with an opportunity to review and comment on plans for capital improvements during 2006. Open houses will "Alaska Nellie" Lawing at her log showcase continuing and proposed projects in various stages – cabin at Kenai Lake, 1941-1945. from conceptual planning to construction. Project managers will be on-hand to explain projects in more detail. The schedule is: MOMENT IN HISTORY • Fairbanks – 4:00-6:30 p.m., Wednesday, January 11, at Fifty years ago Anchorage hosted the Railroad’s New Depot, 1745 Johansen Expressway. a wintertime Alaska Nellie Week T• Seward – 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20, at ARRC’s with railroad and city officials and Passenger Dock Terminal on Port Avenue. This will be held in conjunction railbelt citizens paying tribute to with Seward’s Winter Festival. one of the most remarkable women who ever worked for the • Anchorage – 4:00-6:30 p.m., Tuesday, January 24, at the Railroad’s railroad. Just a few months later in Historic Rail Depot, 411 West First Avenue. May 1956, Nellie Neal Lawing • Wasilla – 4:00-6:30 p.m., Thursday, January 26 – Evangelo’s Restaurant, passed away. 2530 E. Parks Highway.

The company she kept told a lot People unable to attend may visit www.AlaskaRailroad.com for project about her robust character. Joining information. Comments may be emailed to [email protected] or her at her first Thanksgiving in mailed to Alaska Railroad Capital Projects, P.O. Box 107500, Anchorage, AK Alaska – 1915 in Seward – were 99510-7500. For more information, call Public Involvement Officer Pioneer Smith, Post-hole Pete, Stephenie Wheeler at 265-2671. Malamute Kid, Wild Bill, Snaggletooth Miller, and Tin Can George. The menu included 4 moose, mountain sheep, bear, RAILROAD5 COMMUNITY GIVING wine, whiskey and champagne. ARRC employees surpass United Way goal A true pioneer on her own in Alaska, Nellie was a cook under laska Railroad employees super-surpassed the $75,000 goal for contract to the Alaska Engineering employee pledges to United Way in 2005, raising exactly Commission as it supervised the $98,343! That's 18% over last year. railroad’s construction. She pro- vided meals and quarters for trav- “Just as the Alaska Railroad provides reliable and consistent elers and construction crews. transportation and freight services to our community, it can be counted on as a strong and consistent partner in helping meet Alaska Nellie’s last contract with the railroad covered meals and our community's health and social service needs,” said Michele sleeping facilities at Curry, then A Brown, President of United Way of Anchorage. known as Dead Horse Hill. When construction ended in 1923, and a “The Alaska Railroad staff rallies every year to help their neighbors through government hotel replaced the the United Way campaign,” Brown added. “The railroad stands out by pioneer camp at Curry, Nellie pur- making sure that each employee gets the opportunity to contribute in a chased a cabin on Kenai Lake and meaningful way. Campaign coordinators and management alike stress a made it her home. unified message: “it's not the amount of the gift, but the gift giving in itself that makes a meaningful difference. Thank you, Alaska Railroad Source: The Alaska Railroad: Praeger Library of U.S. Government Departments and employees!” Agencies, by Edwin M. Fitch, 1967. ARRC MARKS ANOTHER BANNER YEAR New facilities, new services, economic support are hallmarks of 2005

he following are highlights of a very successful • haul over 4 million tons of gravel (second highest in year. With the focus of a dedicated team of history of ARRC) employees, and thoughtful financial • support Usibelli in efforts to expand export coal stewardship, the Alaska Railroad was able to: prospects with spot market shipments • complete and open a new Anchorage • 54% decrease in derailments since 2002 Operations Center • fully fund the ARRC pension plan • complete and open a new Fairbanks • move U.S. Army Stryker forces and equipment Intermodal Facility & Depot • implement the Track Watch security program T• purchase two new double-decker dome cars; and introduce new GoldStar first class service • score high marks for performance in oil spill response exercises • increase passenger revenue over last year by 15% • facilitate the opening of the new Bridge restaurant in • support Princess in rolling out the "Direct to the Ship Creek Wilderness" service, which connects cruiseship passengers disembarking in Whittier with lodges near • initiate an environmental study as the first step in Talkeetna and Denali, and visa versa. extending the rail 80 miles from Eielson AFB 2006 ARRC POSTER ‘LIGHTS THE WAY’ Poster signing slated for January 7 in Anchorage and January 14 in Fairbanks

he 2006 Alaska Railroad creations included among print/poster is entitled them now.” Lighting The Way by Anchorage artist Kurt Born and raised in Alaska, Jacobsen. Jacobson founded Snowbound Art Studios in “The Alaska Railroad is 1998. His originals can be an important mode of found in art galleries in transportation for Alaska southcentral Alaska and at Tin the winter as well as the major art shows in summer,” said Jacobson. “So the Anchorage. painting shows how the railroad “Lights The Way” through a Prints, posters and pins go snowfall. The scene was created with acrylic paint on on sale at the Anchorage and Fairbanks depots in early canvas. January. The posters sell for $25 and the prints for $50. Jacobsen will be on hand at poster signing events “I am overjoyed that my art was selected this year,” scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January Jacobson added. “I have seen the previous artwork that 7, at the Historic Anchorage Depot, and 10:00 a.m. to has been selected as the Alaska Railroad prints over the 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 14, at the new Fairbanks last 20 years and have been impressed with the quality Depot. of art and artists; I am thrilled to have one of my TOUR GUIDES: FACES OF THE RAILROAD High school-based program teaches the art of being an ambassador

o you know the significance of Alaska Railroad milepost 248.5? If not, just ask one of the tour guides aboard the Alaska Railroad’s passenger cars, because they know. It’s their job.

Scouting for our 2006 season tour guides got underway this fall with open house events in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Nearly 200 people Din Anchorage and more than 50 in Fairbanks attended.

The Alaska Railroad Tour Guide Program was created in 1980 to provide workplace skills and exceptional jobs to Alaska’s young people. It is a school business partnership that is funded by the Alaska Railroad and local school districts in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Seward. This 2005 summer season tour guides double as ‘elves’ on the program is considered one of the most successful school December 3 Holiday Train from Anchorage to Seward. Their business partnerships nationwide, and received an training, summer experience and upbeat personalities award from the National Partners in Education. helped to get the passengers into the holiday spirit

“Tour guides are the ambassadors for the State of Alaska That’s why high school juniors and seniors that are and the Alaska Railroad,” said Graham Houle, ARRC interviewed and selected must complete a 10-week Passenger Operations Supervisor and a former tour elective course that teaches customer service skills, guide (pictured in front of the tour guide ‘elves’). public speaking, CPR, First Aid, Alaska history, “Ultimately, passengers will see more of the tour guides geography, economics, current issues and biology. then any other employee on the Alaska Railroad. They More information on the Tour Guide Program is are essentially the the face of the Alaska Railroad.” available on the Alaska Railroad’s website —

www.alaskarailroad.com, employment link.

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