Electrification is good for all

To the editor:

Railroad electrification has been shown in Europe and in the Lower 48 to significantly lower operating costs, increase profits, eliminate diesel fuel consumption, eliminate pollution and reduce noise from locomotives.

It increases acceleration over mountainous terrain, allowing for higher grades, which would reduce railroad extension costs.

It would allow development of efficient commuter rail. Finally, it would reduce in-state demand for diesel fuel, which may lower the price of both diesel and heating oil for Alaskans.

I have proposed this to the director of strategic planning for Alaska Railroad, Bruce Carr, who responded that this has been considered and continues to be a feature of the plan by a consortium trying to develop an inter-hemispheric railway tunnel under the Bering Strait to Russia and China.

“The proposal to electrify Alaska Railroad has generally been met with opposition from environmental groups,” he said. “They consider the catenary to be ‘unsightful,’ a ‘blemish’ on the environment and … when electricity was supplied by coal-fired plants, there would be a ‘negative impact on the air quality.’”

I suggested that electrification be tied to completion of our Susitna Dam project so that clean electricity would power Alaska Railroad forever.

He responded, “Of course, your proposal using the Susitna Dam project as a source of the electricity certainly defeats the negative attitude expressed.”

Mr. Carr also said, “The cost … is far beyond the financial capacity of Alaska Railroad. Unless the state of Alaska commits to such a project, it will never occur.”

So I think we must commit to electrification of Alaska Railroad so that we can realize all the above-mentioned advantages. If you support modernization, railroad extension and development of efficient commuter-rail, then wave your white flags at the train station and forward your support to Mr. Carr at CARRB@akrr.com.

Daniel N. Russell,

physicist

Willow