The ties are part of a major overhaul by the Railroad to upgrade its tracks. In the past two years, Railroad has replaced 200,000 ties and plans to replace another 100,000 ties this year. Those three years worth of efforts represent 15 percent of the total number of ties on its 525 miles of mainline track. Treating the ties has been a problem and we're working on that. If we have this breakthrough, we could be buying up to 100,000 ties a year from Alaska companies.
Ties used by the Alaska railroad are a logical market for Alaskan firms.
The Alaska Railroad Corporation request for proposals is a part of the larger effort by the Knowles administration to encourage the manufacturing of high value-added forest products in Alaska from Alaskan timber. Given the problems of depressed Asian markets, reduced allowable harvest levels from the Tongass National Forest and the closure of Southeast Alaska's pulp mills, the Knowles administration has made a concerted effort to assist the forest products industry in Alaska. Despite these adverse conditions, the governor has continued to stress the quality of Alaskan timber and Alaskan workers. The Division of Forestry has also placed an emphasis on providing a stable supply of timber sales appropriate for Alaskan firms adding value to Alaskan timber. For information, contact Jeff Jahnke, State Forester, 465- 3379.