Rename Port of Alaska after Congressman Don Young, Anchorage mayor says

Anchorage’s Mayor Dave Bronson is initiating a Citizen Naming Panel to begin the official renaming the “Port of Alaska” as the “Don Young Port of Alaska” in remembrance of the late Congressman.

It would be in recognition for Young’s years of work on Alaska transportation projects, including ports in Southcentral Alaska. Young died while flying back to Alaska. He is survived by his wife, Anne, who was with him at his death.

Matanuska-Susitna Borough mayor Edna Devries said she was saddened to hear of Young’s passing. “Don worked tirelessly on behalf of all Alaskans for so many years. Don Young was doing what he loved and finished his race well.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time. I’m very appreciative of all that Don has done and all that he meant to the state of Alaska,” she said.

Bronson said Anchorage’s municipal code permits the naming and renaming of municipal facilities in recognition of one who has “substantially contributed to the municipality, the state, or the nation.”

Young has served in Congress since 1973 and was the longest-serving member of the House of Representatives. Among many accomplishments, as chair of the House Transportation Committee he helped steer one of the periodic six-year federal surface transportation programs, one with special provisions for Alaska, through the House and ultimately through the Senate and to the President’s desk.

While serving as transportation chair he developed a strong interest in redeveloping the nation’s major highways to relieve congestion and traffic in urban areas.

“As the longest serving U.S. Congressman and Dean of the House (an official designation) Don was one of Alaska’s biggest champions. As (past) chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee he was instrumental in bringing federal dollars to the Port of Alaska,” Bronson said in a statement.

He said Young’s “tireless work for Alaska over the last 49 years made a tremendous impact across generations, particularly for the Port of Alaska, which provides food and supplies for 90 percent of the state.

“He met with my administration multiple times to help expedite permitting, secure funding, and advance the port modernization program,” Bronson said.

“I am asking for the Anchorage Assembly to join me in honoring Congressman Young in recognition for all that he did for the Municipality.” Once convened, the Citizen Naming Panel will hold public meetings, consider code requirements, and make a recommendation back to the assembly.

The memorandum will be introduced at the Special Assembly Meeting, Tuesday, March 22nd.

Young also had a strong interest in rural Alaska and Alaska Native affairs. He came to Alaska to teach school in Fort Yukon, in the northern Interior, and met his first wife, Lu, in that community.

Because of his knowledge of rural Alaska Young was able to expedite important amendments to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, a landmark bill for Alaska.