Cost and Funding

Analysis

The State of Alaska appropriated $10 million in 2008 and another $17.5 million in 2009 to support the Surface Transportation Board (STB) process for considering the request for a license to construct and operate the rail line. The STB process includes alternative analysis, preliminary engineering, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) environmental documentation, and a financial feasibility study.

Design & Construction

The final design and construction of a rail extension to Port MacKenzie is estimated to cost $300 million (2007 dollars). The Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Alaska Railroad will jointly conduct a financing study to assess options for funding the project.