Alaska Railroad News Archives

Court: Railroad can use herbicide - 7/24/10 Anchorage Daily News By MARY PEMBERTON

Alaska's highest court gave a green light Friday to the Alaska Railroad to spray weed killers along a section of track belonging to what is believed to be the last herbicide-free railroad in the nation. [See story]

Anchorage Daily News Herbicide vital to Alaska Railroad safety - 7/20/10 Anchorage Daily News By TOM BROOKS

Inspectors from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) -- the regulatory agency with safety-related authority over all U.S. railroads -- were back in Alaska earlier this summer. Among other things, FRA inspectors require the Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) to improve weed control. Fortunately, the Alaska Railroad has a fighting chance to control rampant weed growth on its tracks this summer thanks to a recently issued permit to prudently apply an EPA-approved and well-studied herbicide, glyphosate (same active ingredient as found in Roundup). However, several environmental groups have asked both the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the courts to revoke the permit. [See story]

Judge extends order barring Alaska Railroad herbicide - 7/20/10 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner By MARY PEMBERTON

ANCHORAGE, Alaska - A judge has extended an order preventing the Alaska Railroad from spraying weed killers on a section of track until Alaska's highest court can review the state-issued permit. [See story]

Alaska Railroad to take steps to reduce coal dust in Seward - 7/2/10 Anchorage Daily News By MARY PEMBERTON

The Alaska Railroad Corp. is taking steps to reduce coal dust that for years has dirtied the scenic tourist town of Seward. [See story]

Patrick Gamble takes charge of University of Alaska - 7/2/10 KTUU.com by Rhonda McBride

After nine years as head of the Alaska Railroad, Gamble believes he's on track to find money for research and improve the university's bottom line. In Gamble's resume, he says he tripled the railroad's assets to $860 million and doubled net earnings. [See story]