Press Release
Under the terms, the two railroad companies will cooperate in applying to the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for a right-of-way guaranteed under state law for a rail connection to Canada. In addition, the two firms will develop a joint operating plan which will specify not only the new track needed to connect Alaska’s rail to Canada but will also identify work needed to upgrade existing rail facilities, bridges, and track on the Alaska Railroad’s 512-mile mainline which runs from Seward to North Pole, Alaska.
The entire project is expected to cost approximately $13 billion USD ($17 billion CAD). Full construction would begin after a right-of-way is approved by state authorities, a Presidential border crossing permit is received, environmental reviews are conducted by the U.S. and Canada, and two national agencies – the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in the US and the Canadian Transportation Agency (CTA) – give their approvals. First Nations, Indigenous groups and Alaska Native entities, whose traditional lands are crossed by the route, are being consulted during this process. These entities have been invited to participate in the economic benefits of the project. A full project description for the rail link in the U.S. and Canada is expected to be completed this year.
“We are pleased to reach this milestone with the Alaska Railroad,” said Sean McCoshen, CEO and cofounder of A2A Rail. “It will help assure global investors that obtaining a right-of-way in Alaska is achievable, and sets up major cooperation in permitting, operations, and marketing with the Alaska Railroad. We expect this project to generate significant economic activity in Alaska and Canada.”
“A rail connection between Alaska and Canada and the rest of the United States is a project that has been talked and dreamed about for close to a century,” said ARRC President and CEO Bill O’Leary. “Completing that connection has amazing potential for Alaska and this agreement between the Alaska Railroad and A2A Rail is an important first step to get the project underway.”
A summary of the Master Agreement follows and a map of the current proposed rail corridor can be found at http://www.a2arail.com/resources.html.
About the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC): In operation since 1923, ARRC is a full-service passenger and freight railroad with more than 650 miles of track and more than 600 full-time year-round employees that serves as a vital transportation link to ports and communities throughout Southcentral and Interior Alaska. ARRC is owned by the State of Alaska and overseen by a seven-member board appointed by the Governor of Alaska. www.AlaskaRailroad.com
About Alaska to Alberta Railway (A2A Rail): The Alaska – Alberta Railway Development Corporation was established to build, own, and operate a new railway connecting the Alaska Railroad and Alaska tidewater ports to northern Alberta (1,500 miles or 2,400 km). A2A Rail will provide critical infrastructure connecting North America to global markets through safe and efficient transport of commodities, containers, natural resources, and people. A2A Rail is privately funded by Sean McCoshen, a U.S. and Canadian based businessman who has extensive experience in infrastructure development across the globe. In addition, Sean has spent the last 10 years working alongside First Nations in both the U.S. and Canada. www.a2arail.com
Contact:
Alaska to Alberta Railway: Sean M. Solie +1 (907) 519-1885 or Adam Schwemley, +1 (907) 297-8899
Alaska Railroad Corporation: Timothy M. Sullivan, Jr., Director of External Affairs, +1 (907) 265-2357 or mobile, +1 (907) 223-7372
