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Congressman Young Supports the Alaska Railroad

Washington, D.C., May 15 -

Legislation introduced by Congressman for All Alaska Don Young that would authorize the Administrator of General Services to convey a parcel of real property to the Alaska Railroad Corporation (H.R. 1036), passed the United States House of Representatives today.  

This piece of property was owned by the Alaska Railroad during a period of federal ownership and was leased to the General Services Administration (GSA).  There was a lot of land that was portioned out at the time the railroad was transferred from federal to state ownership, part of which was originally owned by the GSA and part owned by the Railroad.  During the transfer process, GSA successfully sought to have the former Federal Railroad-owned portion transferred to GSA for operations reasons because of its close proximity to the core business district of Anchorage and other federal agencies. 

The Ship Creek Redevelopment Master Plan identified this parcel as a key transportation access for the redevelopment of Ship Creek.  Allowing the Alaska Railroad to get the property back in its ownership, either through a land exchange (deemed suitable by GSA) or through a fair market purchase, is crucial for the Railroad to make additional improvements to the Ship Creek area.   

“This piece of property was originally owned by the Alaska Railroad,” said Congressman Young, “and all we are doing here is returning it to them.”  He continued, “Having this property back in their ownership is critical to the railroad’s growth and success, by providing them with necessary access to a rail yard.  I am happy to be able to help the Alaska Railroad, which is a vital part of the state’s economy and one of Alaska’s many treasures.”     

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