Economic diversification yields independence

To the editor,

Most Greenlanders are pushing for full independence from Denmark. As reported by the BBC, “development of the territory’s substantial mineral reserves ... could ... make full independence from Denmark a more realistic prospect.” Alaska has relied almost exclusively on oil and remains dependent on the federal government. If we take advantage of the present drop in oil prices by greatly diversifying our economy, then we could start on a path toward independence too! We could take back all federally-owned Alaskan land, and develop our resources, as we wish.

In an article, “China to Increase Arctic Transits” by The Maritime Executive, it was reported, “China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) intends to increase its navigation through Arctic waters to link China and Europe. Shipping experts say NEP (North Sea Route) will become a major waterway and could rival the Suez Canal and shorten the Asian-European transport by about nine days.” The article also says, “retreating ice caps could keep trade lanes open year round by 2030.”

Many other nations will also take advantage of this opportunity, and they will need Arctic ports and shipyards. Point Spencer, near Teller, Alaska, is geographically positioned to be a great international commercial and naval Arctic port, because a channel there is more than 40 feet deep, and because Port Clarence provides a large, natural, protected harbor with average depth of 35 feet. Yes, the small Port of Nome will grow and play a role, but it does not have and never will have such huge, necessary, deep protected moorage. The Native people of Teller must begin planning to help us build this great international commercial and naval Arctic port. The State of Alaska must begin to extend its Alaska Railroad and its road system to Teller and Nome, because it is required to diversify and enhance our economy, and to bring prosperity and independence to Alaskans.

Daniel N. Russell

Willow