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House Transportation Committee advances HJR 14 on Port McKenzie, Northern Rail extensions
Summary
The committee adopted an amendment and moved House Joint Resolution 14 out of committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes after brief discussion about rail extensions reducing industrial highway hauling.
At a House Transportation Committee meeting on Thursday, April 24, 2025, Co-chair Carrick said the committee brought back House Joint Resolution 14, asking support for Port McKenzie and Northern Rail extensions. The committee adopted an amendment to the resolution and moved HJR 14 from committee without recorded objection.
The adopted amendment (number 1) added a whereas clause stating that rail extensions and rail transportation in Alaska can offset impacts and provide an efficient alternative to industrial hauling operations taking place on public highways. Co-chair Carrick moved the amendment and removed the objection after members indicated agreement.
Representative Stutes then moved, “that HJR1434-LS0776 move from the Transportation Committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes.” With no objection, the committee advanced the resolution out of committee and signed the paperwork.
Committee discussion on the amendment was brief. Representative McCabe said she had no problem with the added whereas clause and noted that rail could help “relieve traffic on, frankly, on all Alaska highways, and start using steel instead of asphalt for big stuff.” No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript; committee action was taken by unanimous consent.
The resolution will proceed with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes; committee staff will complete the paperwork and the next steps in the legislative process according to standard committee procedure.
