WASHINGTON -- The Alaska Railroad said Thursday that Congress has struck a deal to save it from a massive budget cut that could have meant large-scale layoffs and less passenger service.

[See story]

FAIRBANKS - Trucks will begin shipping components from Anchorage this week to build 12 wind turbines at te Eva Creek Project near Healy.

[See story]

The railroad's director of strategic planning, Bruce Carr, says layoffs are necessary because less fuel is being shipped from the Flint Hills Refinery in North Pole to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. That equates to about a $5 million loss.

[See story]

FAIRBANKS — The Alaska Railroad has announced it will eliminate 52 positions statewide as a result of decreased fuel shipments from a North Pole refinery to Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage.

[See story]

The future of the Alaska Railroad is at stake with potentially devastating funding cuts now pending in Congress.

The Senate and House are conferencing on a bill that could ultimately reshape the Alaska Railroad Corp. ARRC President and CEO Chris Aadnesen said this conference committee could very well determine the company’s success or failure.

[See story]

The P-30 has been sold and will be shipped outside on its own rails and not scrapped here in state.  It was sold to Heritage Rail Leasing out of Chicago (one of Ed Ellis' companies).
 
http://www.iowapacific.com/heritage-rail-leasing.html
 
Makes sense since this is the last extant former IC E-unit and maybe Ed has designs on making an A-B-A set for his splendid Iowa Pacific units that are coming out in old IC orange and brown.  Time will tell....at least she's got another lease on life.
.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) invites the public to two "Railroad Days" open house events in late spring. Events are scheduled as follows:

Anchorage: Saturday, May 5th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Anchorage Historic Depot, 411 W. First Avenue

Fairbanks: saturday, May 12th from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Fairbanks Depot, 1745 Johanses Expressway

Railroad Days events provide Alaskans with a unique opportunity to interact with railroaders and to learn about the state's railroad

The Open House feature the ever-popular free train rides, along with static displays of railroad locomotives, railcars and other equipment that afford an up-close, hands-on experience. Hip and talented military bands will add to the festive atmosphere, playing popular and upbeat music.

Several activities are geared toward children, such as railroad balloons, tattoos and train safety knick-knacks. The railroad has teamed up to provide fund-raising opportunities for youth-oriented non-profit organizations who will sell affordable hot dogs, snacks and beverages. The railroad's depot gift shops and rail ticket counters will also be open, and the Alaska Railroad will be offering Open House Specials featuring amazing deals on summer rail travel.

[See more]

FAIRBANKS — The construction company building a bridge over the Tanana River near Salcha has suspended its operations as a result of ice jam that has flooded the area for the past week.

[See story]

FAIRBANKS — A decrease in jet fuel sales to Anchorage caused by competition from lower-priced refineries was a secondary factor in Flint Hills Resources' recent decision to shutdown production at one of its crude refining units in North Pole, according to a company spokesperson.

Flint Hills' competitors are able to sell jet fuel to Ted Stevens International Airport at cheaper rates because it costs them less to produce, said Jeff Cook, the company's spokesman in Fairbanks.

[See story]

WASHINGTON -- Moody's Investors Service has lowered the outlook for Alaska Railroad bonds from stable to negative, saying the U.S. Senate's move to gut the railroad's budget could leave it short of money to pay off debt.

[See story]