RESOURCES
RESOURCES
MAPS
A2A Rail recognizes that safety is critical to the successful operation of modern-day railways. Whether transporting goods, commodities or people over short and long distances, safety must be the foremost consideration for communities, companies and governments.
HISTORY
The idea of an intercontinental railway between the U.S. and Canada has been around since the 1960s. Governor Walter J. Hickel, a strong supporter of Alaskan growth, established the North Commission which completed significant research to support and bring the project to its current status today. In the early 2000’s, Governor Frank Murkowski and the Alaska Legislature passed laws to connect the Alaska Railroad with Canada’s rail system. Further studies were completed by the University of Alaska and Government of Alberta prior to Sean McCoshen realizing the unique opportunity.
2000 - 2006
State of Alaska and U.S. Federal Funds provide approximately $6 million USD for a study focused on rail connections through Alaska, the Yukon Territory, and Northern British Columbia.
The Final Preliminary Feasibility Study released November 2006 identified that economic benefits would exceed the total cost of construction, operation, and maintenance.
2007
State of Alaska provide $4.7 million to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to begin preconstruction activities to support environmental analysis and data collection for railroad feasibility studies.
2013 - 2016
The Van Horne Institute (VHI) Study was commissioned by the Government of Alberta to assess the viability of rail as a transportation alternative. The study released to the public in 2016 validated the concept.
2017-2020
A2A Rail ratified a master agreement with the Alaska Railroad Corporation, obtained the Presidential Border Crossing Permit, refined the operations plan and strategy, and engaged with key communities and stakeholders in Canada and the United States.
TODAY
With several milestones achieved in 2019 and 2020, A2A Rail is now commencing the environmental review and regulatory approval processes in Canada and the United States, while also continuing engagements with key communities and stakeholders in both countries. Additionally, a unique state law in Alaska has the A2A team working hard toward establishing the rail corridor on state lands in 2021.