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FOR RELEASE     #05-150
June 2, 2005

Yukon, Alaska Move Rail Link Feasibility Work Forward

WHITEHORSE - The Yukon and Alaska governments are making progress on a rail link feasibility study.

Yukon Premier Dennis Fentie and Alaska Transportation Commissioner Mike Barton updated the Yukon business community on the progress at a chamber of commerce luncheon today.

"Our work on the railway confirms our commitment to growing the economy and improving the lives of all Yukoners," Fentie said. "Working closely with Alaska to keep this project on the rails, we're driving towards long-term and sustainable benefits for both Yukon and Alaska."

The chamber event follows a working meeting of Yukon and Alaska officials held in Whitehorse to develop terms of reference and a management framework for the study. The Yukon is expected to name its members to the advisory committee shortly, including two members selected by Yukon First Nations.

"The economic potential for the Yukon is enormous. A railway would benefit natural resource development, improve access to southern markets for Yukon products and ease congestion on the North American transportation network," Fentie said.

"The bottom line is that by working together, the Yukon and Alaska governments are ensuring that northerners can benefit from economic development, no matter which side of the border they live and work on."

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 Contact:  
 Peter Carr  Andrea Buckley
 Cabinet Communications  Director, Communications
 Government of Yukon  Executive Council Office
 (867) 667-8688  (867) 667-5270