FOR RELEASE     #05-117
May 2, 2005

WHITEHORSE – The preliminary research report for the Alaska-Canada rail link feasibility study is available on the Yukon government website.

Charles River Associates, a reputable, world-class transportation engineering and consulting firm, was hired by the Department of Economic Development to conduct and issue a preliminary research report on the Alaska-Canada Rail Link.

"This report addresses the social, economic and environmental rationale for proceeding with a larger feasibility study. It also presents clear economic rationale for the rail link," Economic Development Minister Jim Kenyon said.

According to the Charles River report, the rail link would allow the Yukon to develop its rural regions by diversifying economic activities and boosting key industries, increasing trade flow and synergizing economic activities between Yukon and Alaska. The report also indicated that the rail link would help reduce overall transportation costs and time, given congestion issues in the North American transportation system.

The report states that " preliminary estimates suggest that the Alaska-Canada rail link would enjoy a diverse traffic mix made up of a variety of commodities being shipped… it does appear that a sufficient volume of profitable traffic could generate enough profits to justify building the Alaska-Canada rail link."

These findings support the Yukon government’s position to proceed with a joint Canada-US feasibility study on the rail link.

The preliminary Charles River research report and summary are available on the Government of Yukon website at http://www.economicdevelopment.gov.yk.ca/.

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