This rich geological belt extends across the border to the Yukon Territory, where mining now is in steep decline due to transportation issues. Still, mining is the No. 1 commercial activity in the territory. Railroads provide mines with exactly the kind of transportation they need, because, once connected with the North American rail system, concentrates can be shipped to a smelter economically and efficiently. Manufactured goods, timber and agricultural products could be sent to market with similar efficiency. And I see a new role for Alaska's ports such as Anchorage.
Freighters sailing between the West Coast and Asia pass right by Alaska.
With a rail connection to the rest of North America, containerized goods from, or headed to, the Mid West or East Coast could transfer to rail right here, putting Alaskans to work in this transportation sector. This summer I bought a new, digital camera. One of its features is a lens with an adjustable view. Push the button one way, and you get a wide view. Push it the other way and you get what I call a long view.