Representative Ashley Carrick meets with Advocates for Safe Alaska Highways. (Photo courtesy of Rep. Carrick)
Last month, Advocates for Safe Alaska Highways (ASAH) presented to the House Transportation Committee on public highway safety in the face of an industrial ore haul that runs a distance of 240 miles across three Alaska highways, taking large trucks from Tetlin to Fort Knox, north of Fairbanks.
The presentation highlighted many safety issues reported in the independent analysis of the Manh Choh ore haul corridor, and the substantial costs to the state for implementing the recommended safety measures. It is clear that hauling industrial waste alongside all other public road and bridge users is a danger that we cannot afford, both literally and figuratively. Northern Center supports ASAH in its mission to prevent degrading public infrastructure, which threaten the safety and livelihoods of the public.
Mining companies intend to expand this ore haul strategy both in the Interior and across the state, setting an unacceptable precedent that ignores vital processes that protect our communities and our environments from harm. Now is the time for Alaskans to make sure these dangers are mitigated to the fullest extent, ensuring heavy industrial users pay their fair share of the disproportionately high burdens they place upon the environment, public infrastructure, and the safety of our communities.
Following the presentation, the co-chairs of the House Transportation Committee committed to one of ASAH’s recommendations by securing funding for an additional full-time employee at the Richardson Highway Northbound Weigh Station between Fairbanks and North Pole. This measure will aid in minimizing further dangerous degradation of our infrastructure.
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Here’s how you can help:
Call the co-chairs of the House Transportation Committee and the co-chairs of the House Natural Resources Committee listed below about your concerns regarding the Manh Choh ore haul. Let them know that Alaska cannot afford this or future ore hauls.
- Co-chair Rep. Ashley Carrick: 907-465-4976 (House Transportation Committee)
- Co-chair Rep. Ted Eischeid: 907-465-2095 (House Transportation Committee)
- Co-chair Rep. Robyn Niayuq Burke: 907-465-3473 (House Natural Resources Committee)
- Co-chair Rep. Maxine Dibert: 907-465-2138 (House Natural Resources Committee)
