Valdez daily prospector., 1913-02-17

the coal fields, although, as here after noted, Valdez is regarded by the commission as an important alternative terminal in the possi- iblc future development of the Chitina- Fairbanks routes. | Cordova Routes Advantages. |. "Thr investigations of the com- mission indicate that the rout" from Cordova by way of Chitina to Fairbanks would furnish the Ibrst trunk line to the Yukon and |Tanana waters: G. Because Cordova has distinct advantages as harbor. @ Because this route requires the shortest actual !construction, but chiefly (3) be- cause the better grades possible }on this route should give the low est freight rates into the Panama valley. The Copper River x Nor- Ithwestern railroad is now con- structcd from Cordova to Chltlna and thence up the Chitina rlver. The commission recommends the building of railway from Chitlna to Fairbanks, 3i2 miles, estimat- ed to cost Sl3,97l,0 ,000, with the provision that if this railway is built by other interests than those controlling the Copper River x Northwestern railroad. and if any uuitable traffic arrangement can not be made with il, connection should be made with Valdez by he Thompson Pass route. lOl miles. estimated to cost S6. lol.- i19.
 Terminal for Boring Coal.
 "The commission finds that Curlova offers the best present ocean terminal for ithc Boring river coal. The commission als" points out that it would not be economical to haul the Matanus- ka coal to either Valdez OF Cor duva, and therefore he logical outlet for that field is Seward. If commercial development of these two fields should disclose that the quality of the coal is tn" same in both, the Boring river field would have the advantage of greater proximity lo tidrwater. A branch line from the Copper RlN- CT railway to the Boring river field. d distance of 3S miles, at an estimated cost of S2 .O3 i.0OO, is recommended ln afford an outlet for the coal on prinrr William sound and into the Copper river valley and the region where there is al present he largest market for Alaska coal.
 Line From Seward Needed.
 "Thr commission finds that railway from Chitina to Fair banks will not solve the transport tat ion problem of Alaska. because il will not give access to t'l" Mat anu,ka coal field. the fertile lands and he mineral wealth of he lower Susiina nr he great kuSk"- kWim basin. This province prop rrIN belongs to an Independent railway system based on the llar- hnr at Seward.
 "Thr commission recommends a railway from Kern creek. tn" present inland terminal of the Alaska Northern railway, to the Susilna river distance | l5 miles, estimated cost S5,20O, ,OO0l. with a branch line to the Matanuska coal field distance 38 miles. es- timated cost 5,000l, and an extension of l.lr main line through the Alaska range to the KuSkOkWin river (diStancr 229 miles, estimated cost Sl2.160.- 900
 733 Miles of Line.
 "Thr entire railways thus rec commended will constitute two ln- dependent systems involving 133 miles of new construct ion al cost of s35 1000. coo. ENrniuall> these systems will be tied togelh- ,rr and there will be earlier de- mandS for branches and local lines as Inc country develops. One iuf these systems will find an out