Alaska-Washington Connection 2011: Mining boosts AK-WA trade
Rose Ragsdale Alaska-Washington Connection
Welcome to the “The Alaska-Washington Connection – 115 Years and Counting.”
The dynamic relationship between Alaska and Washington born with the advent of the Alaska Gold Rush in 1896 continues to serve the increasingly complex needs of the Last Frontier. As we move into the second decade of the 21st century, the economic, social and political ties between these two regions are more critical than ever to their mutual well-being. Thanks to a recent upsurge in mining activity and public investment in infrastructure and alternative and emerging energy projects, Alaska’s economy and by extension, the Pacific Northwest, are holding their own in today’s challenging economic environment.
2011 marks the fourth consecutive year that Petroleum News has published highlights of the important and enduring business relationship between Alaska and Washington. This edition features the story of the Port of Seattle, which is celebrating its centennial anniversary this year. It also showcases businesses that are thriving in the Alaska-Washington trade by finding interesting and vital ways to serve customers and expand their markets. These companies are not only surviving in these tough economic times, but also enhancing the lives of their customers, employees and neighbors. M T Housing Inc. and Lane Powell PC, for example, are Washington-based businesses that offer unique products and services that fuel their ongoing success. Rotating Services Inc., NANA Regional Corp., Denali Industrial Supply, Udelhoven Oilfield System Services, Inc. and Jackovich Industrial Supply are Alaska-based enterprises that offer their eclectic mix of products and services wherever they are needed, whether it’s across Alaska, the Lower 48 or the globe.
Mining reinforces the connection The mining industry continues to make its mark as an especially beneficial sector of the Alaska’s economy. Recent expansion of the state’s large mines like Red Dog near Kotzebue, Fort Knox near Fairbanks and Greens Creek near Juneau, along with exciting new mines such as Kensington Mine near Juneau and major mine projects like the Pebble Project and Donlin Creek in western Alaska and Livengood in the Interior as well as numerous exploration ventures by a host of junior mining companies like Millrock Resources Inc, not only create thousands of high-paying mining and mining-related jobs but also support ongoing prosperity in scores of local economies across the state.
This mining activity is also an important lifeline for the Puget Sound’s major ports of Seattle and Tacoma and for numerous Alaska and Washington transportation companies, like Lynden Inc., Bowhead Transport Co., Alaska Air Cargo and American Fast Freight. The Port of Tacoma considers Alaska one of its top three trade partners, reflecting more than $3.5 billion in annual trade.
Other Alaska businesses, including Alaska Commercial Co., Alaska Railroad Corp., Millennium Alaskan Hotel, Westmark Hotels, Opti Staffing Group and Seekins Ford in Fairbanks, respond to the Alaska market with services that are refined with a uniquely Alaska approach. These companies, along with their counterparts, also serve Alaska’s retail, tourism, fishing, and interstate commerce sectors in increasingly effective ways of making the Alaska-Washington connection.
Did you find this article interesting?
Tweet it
 | Digg it
|
Print this story | Email it to an associate.
Click here to subscribe to Petroleum News for as low as $69 per year.
|
