Alaska, Yukon to study economic corridor

Alaska and the Yukon have agreed to study economic corridor development between Southeast Alaska and the Yukon.

In an Oct. 11 press release the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development said the agreement is an appendix to the existing Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accord and expresses the intent to collaborate in identifying and evaluating an economic development corridor between Southeast Alaska and the Yukon capable of transmitting electric power and telecommunications services.

The governments will work jointly on a scope of work for and provide funds to conduct an economic analysis of opportunities on either side of the shared border.

“This agreement brings potential benefits to communities in both the Yukon and Alaska from the increased availability of broadband and access to affordable electrical generation,” Commissioner Susan Bell said.

Bell mentioned fiber optic networks that could connect in Juneau and possibly include a Ketchikan to Prince Rupert link, “as well as potential energy projects.”

Wording of the agreement allows participation by other entitles and participation is expected from the Municipality of Skagway and respective utilities which have expressed interest in developing electric generation capabilities beneficial to both sides of the border.

—Petroleum News