Senate passes HJR 14, supporting Port MacKenzie Rail Extension

By SUZANNE DOWNING

April 22, 2026 – The Alaska State Senate has overwhelmingly approved a resolution backing completion of the long-stalled Port MacKenzie Rail Extension, signaling renewed legislative support for a project supporters say could reshape the state’s resource economy.

House Joint Resolution 14 passed the Senate on a decisive 18-1 vote, following unanimous approval in the House on May 7, 2025. The measure does not appropriate funding but is intended to demonstrate Alaska’s readiness to advance the project and compete for federal infrastructure dollars. Only Sen. Loki Tobin of Anchorage voted against it.

“This resolution sends a clear message to Washington, D.C. and investors that Alaska is ready,” said Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake. “This is a shovel-ready project more than halfway built, fully permitted, and ready to finish. Alaska is ready to build.”

The Port MacKenzie Rail Extension is a roughly 32-mile rail connecting the borough-owned Port MacKenzie to the Alaska Railroad’s mainline near Houston. Designed to move bulk commodities like minerals, construction materials, and energy resources, the line is intended to open Interior Alaska to a deep-water port and reduce transportation distances for heavy freight.

The project could play a key role in future development, including large-scale mining operations and the proposed Alaska LNG project, while lowering the cost of delivering fuel and goods to Interior communities.

“This is a statewide project that moves Alaska’s resources to market, supports energy development, and helps lower costs for families,” McCabe said.

The resolution also positions Alaska to pursue federal funding opportunities such as the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, while encouraging private-sector investment through public-private partnerships.

Sen. Robert Yundt, R-Wasilla, who carried the resolution in the Senate, said the vote reflects a growing consensus around the need for long-term infrastructure planning.

“HJR 14 reflects a shared understanding that Alaska must be prepared to move forward on major infrastructure opportunities,” Yundt said. “There has been significant groundwork laid, and it is important that we continue building momentum.”

Sen. Mike Cronk, R-Tok/Northway, emphasized the project’s importance for both economic and strategic purposes, particularly in the Interior.

“The Northern Rail Extension is critical for Interior Alaska and for Fort Greely,” Cronk said. “Reliable rail access supports both economic development, food security, and military readiness and reinforces Alaska’s strategic role in the Arctic.”

The rail extension has a long and complicated history. First advanced in the mid-2000s, construction began in 2013 under the Parnell Administration after years of environmental review and planning, with funding largely provided by the state and the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. By the time work halted in during the Walker Administration, the project was estimated to be between 50 and 75% complete, with most of the railbed constructed but track installation unfinished in key segments.

Roughly $184 million in public funds had been spent, with estimates suggesting another $100 million to $300 million could be needed to complete the line.

Since construction stopped, the corridor remains largely unused, becoming a point of contention among policymakers.

The Senate’s vote on HJR 14 does mark a renewed push by lawmakers to revive the նախագ as part of a broader strategy tied to domestic energy production, critical minerals development, and Arctic infrastructure.