FIRST QUARTER 2011 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD ... · Alaska Railroad public open houses in...

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARDFIRST QUARTER 2011 NEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

THE WYE OF IT: CUSTOMERS & COMMUNITIES

ARRC RESUMES COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSESPlanning is underway to organize

Alaska Railroad public open houses in Fairbanks and Anchorage. Th e Anchor-age event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7, at the Anchorage Historic Depot. Th e Fairbanks event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the Fairbanks Depot.

Th e last community open house events were held in 2008, prior to substantial cost-cutting measures that suspended several railroad events. Th e open houses eff ectively “open our doors,” providing neighboring railroad communities with unique opportuni-ties to interact with railroaders, to learn about the state’s railroad, and to experi-ence a ride on the train.

Open houses often make the big-gest impression on children, who thor-oughly enjoy the magic of the trains, the depots and other railroad equip-ment. Th ese events have enticed several thousand people to each event in years past, and there is every indication that attendance will be similar in 2011.

Open Houses are staff ed primarily by employee volunteers who work two- to four-hour shifts, doing a variety of tasks, from infl ating and distributing balloons, to answering questions about railroad equipment, to entertaining guests waiting in line to ride the train. A huge thank you to the outpouring of volunteers who have already agreed to assist with Anchorage and Fairbanks events.. For more information, contact ARRC Corporate Communications Offi cer Stephenie Wheeler at (907) 265-2671.

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CROSSINGS:PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

MILEPOSTS

SPOTLIGHT AND CHAMBER AWARDS

MILEPOSTS:RAILROADER ISWINNING ARTIST

CROSSINGS:LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

CROSSINGS:AUDITED REVIEW & ANNUAL REPORT

CROSSINGS:2011 GOALS AND

5-YEAR OBJECTIVES

CROSSINGS:SNOW DUMP FOULS FAIRBANKS

CROSSINGS:FAIRBANKS OPS CENTER IMPROVES

CROSSINGS:HERBICIDE USE UPDATE

WYE OF IT:FOCUS ON CUSTOMER SERVICE

SIDINGS:RAILROADERS VOLUNTEER

INSIDE...

FUR RENDEZVOUS FIREWORKS ON FEBRUARY 26 PROVIDE A DRAMATIC

BACKDROP FOR AN SD70MAC LOCOMOTIVE IN THE ANCHORAGE YARD.

THE ALASKA RAILROAD SUPPORTS THIS ANNUAL CABIN-FEVER-BUSTING

FESTIVAL WITH A PUBLIC LAND USE PERMIT TO ACCOMMODATE SEVERAL

FUR RONDY ACTIVITIES: 1) THE FIREWORKS SHOW WAS ORCHESTRATED ON

SHIP CREEK POINT ROAD; 2) THE SNOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION WAS

IN THE SHIP CREEK PLAZA PARKING LOT; AND 3) THE SNOW BOARDING

COMPETITION WAS ALONG THE ANCHORAGE HISTORIC DEPOT PARKING

LOT ON FIRST AVENUE. IN ADDITION, THE EVER-POPULAR MODEL RAILROAD

DISPLAY WAS SET UP INSIDE THE HISTORIC DEPOT. (PHOTO BY DAVID

BLAZEJEWSKI ©)

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARD

1ST QTR 2011

Customer service should dictate how we behave toward our freight, passenger and real estate clients.

2PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

NEW STRATEGIC INITIATIVES DEFINEDBy Chris Aadnesen, President & CEO

During the fi rst quarter of 2011, the Alaska Railroad’s Board of Directors and executive manage-ment team have been defi ning a number of strategic initiatives that focus on key areas of performance — safety, revenue and service, among others. Th ese initiatives are ready to implement and all of us will be counted on to facilitate participation and success.

Safety remains our number one priority and safety-related initiatives are the fi rst to be put into practice. Th is focus cannot come too soon, given a poor start to our safety performance so far this year. Safety goals for 2011 are:

Reduce employee injuries by 15% No authority violations No run-away rolling stock due to human error Reduce minor derailments by 50% Reduce backing incidents by 50% No FRA reportable derailments No on-track collisions Fully implement the following programs: hear-

ing conservation; fall protection; fi rst aid/CPR; hazard communications; respiratory protection; slips trips falls prevention; ergonomics

2011 also marks the beginning of a fi ve-year eff ort to complete a company-wide Risk Reduction Plan (RRP) by 2016. An RRP provides a compre-hensive, coordinated and highly focused eff ort to reduce employee injuries and property damage. It will ensure all departments are on the same page by

spelling out expectations and assigning accountabil-ity at every level of the company. Pursuit of an RRP is in line with the Federal Railroad Administration’s 2008 Rail Safety Improvement Act mandate to construct and implement such a plan.

Revenue initiatives aim for greater diversity in our customer base to reduce our dependence on hauling any one or two commodities. For example, the Alaska Railroad relies heavily on revenues from hauling petroleum — nearly a third of our freight volume comes from this line of business. In par-ticular, we will work to expand barge-based freight and export coal traffi c. Others will be developed as economic conditions allow and our planning can capture growth opportunities.

Service is at the very core of our company… we provide transportation and land use services. Cus-tomer service should dictate how we behave toward our freight, passenger and real estate clients. We also have internal customers, which include fellow employees and other stakeholders. Our customer service needs to be as close to perfect as possible for each client group. It hasn’t always been that way, but it can be the way we choose to operate — with customer service at the forefront of all our interac-tions.

Th e next issue of All Aboard will include a complete list of our strategic initiatives and fi ve-year objectives. Management is responsible for develop-ing strategies for a brighter company future, but every employee can help by sharing good ideas and by delivering safe and successful service. I hope I can count on each of you to do just that.

CHRIS AADNESEN

LINDA LEARY

JOHN BINKLEY

CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE

ARRC BOARD ELECTS NEW CHAIRTh e Alaska Railroad Board of Directors elected

Linda Leary as its new Board Chair on February 16. Outgoing Chair John Binkley expressed his confi dence in Leary’s transportation experience and leadership. “After 13 years leading the Alaska Rail-road Board, I asked board member Linda Leary to step up as chair. Linda’s abilities and temperament will serve her well as she leads the board and the corporation,” said Binkley.

Th e board collectively thanked Binkley for his dedicated leadership through many transitions. Binkley remains on the board as a director.

“Transportation has been near and dear to me for a long time and I am excited about the railroad’s future. I look forward to working with the board to pursue economic opportunities and address the

pressing issues at hand,” said Leary. Leary was appointed to the ARRC Board in

October 2009. She is president and co-owner of Carlile Transportation Systems and has worked for Carlile for more than 25 years in Alaska and the Pacifi c Northwest. An active member of the community, she serves on the United Way Execu-tive Cabinet, and on the boards of the Resource Development Council of Alaska, State Chamber, Associated General Contractors, Breast Cancer Focus, Inc., and Rasmuson Foundation. She is also an Honorary Commander for Elmendorf AFB 3rd Logistics Squadron. Raised in Maine, Leary earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, and a master’s degree in logistics management from the University of Alaska Anchorage.


1ST QTR 2011

3MILEPOSTS

SERVICE AWARDS: JANUARY - MARCH1 Year Shane Checketts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceLarry Fuller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceWalter Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceRonald Lewis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Supply ManagementRobert Turney . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telecommunications

5 Years Barbara Amy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . FinancePatrick Baker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TelecommunicationsPhillip Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalKevin Bohn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationDennis Riemersma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalEric Swedberg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalTroy Welch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mechanical

10 Years Paul Fisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceTh omas Gosser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MechanicalTh omas Green. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TransportationMichael Grunwald . . . . . . . . . Engineering ServicesCraig Hanson . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridges & BuildingsAnthony Hoadley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceDaniel Keim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation

Karen Leis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger ServicesAnn McIlhargie . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger OperationsLyndsey Ruhl . . . . . . . . . . . . . Project ManagementJennifer Tesch . . .Ops, Maintenance & EngineeringLee Th ompson . . . . . . . . . . . . Supply ManagementTroy Tysdal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridges & BuildingsWillie Washington Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenancePatricia Winslow . . . . . . . . . . . . .Human Resources

15 Years Manuel Clark . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bridges & BuildingsEileen Reilly . . Information Technology & TelecomSteve Silverstein. . . . . . . . . . Business Development

20 Years Joseph Ketzler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceMartin Weatherell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transportation

30 Years Mark Rosevear. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maintenance

35 Years Steven Hayes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MaintenanceEugene Vicere . . . . . . . . . . . . . Telecommunications

MILEPOSTS

NEW HIRES: JANUARY-FEBRUARY-MARCHEmalyn Adad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger ServicesTobin Dorman . . . . . . . . . . . . TelecommunicationsNicholas Enzweiler . . . . . . . . Bridges and BuildingsJohnny Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Police & Security

Sazil Herrera-Moody . . . . . . . . . . Passenger ServicesKatherine Rhoades . . . . . . . . . . . Passenger ServicesHenry Sook. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TelecommunicationsBrandon Watkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mechanical

MILEPOSTS

HOME FRONT: RETIREMENTS Special Agent Jim Adams retired from the

Police & Security Department after 19 years. Conductor/Brakeman James Allen retired

from the Transportation Department after 36 years.

Sheetmetal Mechanic William “John” Brady retired from the Mechanical Department after 47 years.

Conductor/Brakeman Stephanie Burnham retired from the Transportation Department after 26 years.

Conductor/Brakeman/Fireman/Engineer Fred Burrell retired from the Transportation Department after 20 years.

Locomotive Mechanic/Machinist David Church retired from the Mechanical Depart-ment after 37 years.

Locomotive Supervisor Vern Gleich retired from the Mechanical Department after 17 years.

General Repair Shop Leader Owen Hellman retired from the Mechanical Department after 36 years.

Fireman/Engineer Duane Kauke retired from the Transportation Department after 36 years.

Conductor/Brakeman Eugene Owens retired from the Transportation Department after 40 years.

My departure from the ARR family of employees is a bittersweet transition into retirement. I was always happy to go to work – even to my last day. The best part of my being at ARR was always the respect that each of you have shown me during the last 23 years. Thank you!

DECEMBER 2010 RETIREE

JIM SEEBERGER


1ST QTR 2011

4MILEPOSTS

SPOTLIGHT AWARDS: JANUARY - MARCH Contract Security Offi cer Tamiko Byrd was rec-ognized for consistent reliability, dependability and loyalty over the past three-and-a-half years. Her solid experience has provided important continuity in training new contract security guards, and she is always willing to work the hours necessary. Byrd was also commended for a specifi c situation that showcased her service-oriented professionalism. When a northbound train was delayed and pas-sengers were off -loaded at Denali Park on January 1, 2011, Byrd performed admirably, greeting each tired passenger with a smile and a transportation solution, and off ering her assistance wherever it was needed most. As one nominator stated, “Tamiko showed us what customer service should look like… going above and beyond without expectations or complaints.”

Conductor / Brakeman Steve Culver and Fireman

/ Engineer Frank Sheppard recently proved that nothing can replace the valuable experience that comes with many years of railroading. With Alaska Railroad careers that span nearly four decades, the two train crewmen have been over the road countless times and they know when something is amiss. Th e railroad recently benefi tted from that fi ne-tuned profi ciency when the duo were operat-ing a southbound freight train and felt a slight track anomaly near MP 165 and reported it to the Wasilla Section for inspection. Less seasoned train crews might have let that pass, but Culver and Sheppard knew better. Sure enough, Roadmaster Rocky Mur-rill found a bolt hole break through the rail at MP 164.96, and it was quickly repaired.

Conductor / Brakeman Ted Lombard demonstrat-ed superior attention to detail when he noticed that the gauge of the Anchorage roundhouse lead track was too wide to safely proceed with the inbound

freight power he was delivering. Lombard’s sharp eyes caught a 1-1/2 inch discrepancy in track width, which could have caused any of our locomotives to derail. He set an example for fellow train crews by looking beyond the condition of the train or loco-motive and being acutely aware of his total work environment.

Fairbanks Freight Services Coordinator Katrina

Martolano stepped up to the plate to oversee the Alaska Railroad’s part in the early January 2011 mobilization of the 1st Striker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry, stationed at Fort Wainwright. Over a 2-1/2 week period, she managed the loading and securing of 19,000-plus feet of roll-on-roll-off equipment and 170 forty-foot units of container freight, which were moved via fi ve dedicated trains. Our Business Development Department could not have been more pleased with her effi cient oversight. Under her management, loading crews reduced the cost of tie down from $21,382 on the fi rst train to $9,995.64 on train four. Th anks to a team eff ort and Martolano’s leadership, the Alaska Railroad off ered our military client stellar on-time service without incident or injury.

Track Laborer / Seward Section Foreman Terry

Sievers recently showed exemplary customer care and service, representing the railroad as an organi-zation that is attentive and responsible. During a wind storm in Seward, a Princess Cruise Lines stor-age building broke loose from its foundation and blew across the Alaska Railroad’s parking lot. Siev-ers did not hesitate to retrieve, secure and re-anchor the building at its original location. Th anks to his quick reaction, the building and supplies inside were salvaged. Princess is a very important cus-tomer, and Sievers eff ectively demonstrated the high value that we place on our clients and partners.

LOUIS BENCARDINO,

LEFT, ACCEPTS THE

SEWARD CHAMBER

OF COMMERCE 2010

PERSON OF THE YEAR

AWARD. (PHOTO BY

CHRISTY TERRY)

MILEPOSTS

SEWARD CHAMBER AWARDEE In January, the Seward Chamber of Com-

merce named Alaska Railroad Seward Dock & Real Estate Manager Louis Bencardino as its 2010 Person of the Year. Th e honors were presented as part of the chamber’s annual com-munity awards ceremony.

“Louie is an amazing person and has been an excellent ambassador, promoting Seward’s interests since he moved here in 1975,” said ARRC Seward Dock Operations Manager

Christy Terry, who submitted the nomination. A railroad employee for the past 10 years,

Bencardino has a remarkable record of community and civic involvement. He has served as Seward’s mayor and police chief, and is a member of the Statewide Board for Alaska’s Institute of Technology (AVTEC), American Legion and Pioneer Club. He remains a champion of the elderly and the young through involvement in several community organi-zations. Congratulations Louie!


1ST QTR 2011

5MILEPOSTS

STATE MEDALLION USES RAILROADER’S ART During the week, Chad Harpel can be found at

any of the Alaska Railroad’s (ARRC) buildings, fi x-ing everything from a facility’s structure to its furni-ture. But on some weekends, this ARRC Facilities Maintenance Mechanic fi nds time to create works of art, one of which was chosen as the basis of the 2011 Offi cial Alaska State Medallion, a limited edi-tion coin commissioned by the State of Alaska.

Artists from around Alaska vie for this honor through an annual contest that is judged by the State of Alaska Arts Council. Th e council looks for images that evoke the beauty of Alaska, said Mike Robuck, owner of the Alaska Mint, which has minted the offi cial state medallions since 1992.

Robuck explained the remarkable art-to-mint process. First, a sculptor fashions the artist’s design into a clay model, which is used to pour a plaster mold. Th e sculptor carves additional detail into the plaster and this is used to create an epoxy mold. Th is fi nal mold is fi tted onto a “reducer” machine that traces the image and engraves the design into a hard steel die. Th e die strikes the design onto blank discs of silver and gold. Depending on demand, the mintage typically runs from 2,000 to 10,000 silver and silver-with-gold-relief coins and fewer than 200 of the pure gold medallions.

Harpel is now among an elite group of about 10 Alaskan artists whose work is enduringly etched into the face of an offi cial state medallion.

Interestingly, Harpel says he is infl uenced by renowned surrealist artists such as Dali, Rene Magriete, Yves Tanguy and others. “For me, art is inspired by the human experience, but is not limited to the rational or plausible,” said Harpel. “Mannerist’s pioneered this approach in 1500s and Caravaggio further exaggerated the human anatomy until the surrealists fi nally broke all the rules.”

Even so, Harpel’s winning image of an eagle fl y-ing over Mount McKinley is exceptionally realistic, and Robuck confi rmed that medallion designs featuring animals must be correct in scale. Perhaps that proportional accuracy can be traced to techni-cal drawings that inspired Harpel’s preference for painting the human form. “My father and sister are physical therapists and I grew up with human anatomy books as art references and I reference them often in my paintings still today,” he said.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, 3-year-old Harpel moved to Alaska in 1983, when his Air Force father requested transfer to Elmendorf Air Force Base. Harpel was raised in Eagle River where he still resides with his wife Stephanie and their 2-year-old son Cole.

Harpel’s artistic talent was evident early on. As a second-grader, he created a painting that was

selected for display at the Anchorage Museum. His paintings have since displayed at the museum many times, and have earned numerous awards.

A Chugiak High School graduate, Harpel proved to be talented as both an artist and an ath-lete, and a football scholarship almost lured Harpel to the Western State College of Colorado. Instead, art scholarships helped to keep him in Alaska to study art at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA).

Although art is his passion, facility construction and maintenance has paid the bills. While attend-ing UAA, Harpel worked as a carpenter, cutting his teeth on the large military projects that included housing remodels and new facility construction. Construction experience and artistic skill make Harpel an easy choice for railroad facility jobs that require visual fi nesse, said Facilities Director Paul Farnsworth. “For, example, he’s done a superb job on refi nishing the CEO’s desk and building a display wall and shadow boxes for the Anchorage Historic Depot.”

“All of our facilities maintenance folks have exceptional skills and we give them work that best suits their strengths,” added Chris Corbeil, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor. “Chad loves a challenge and he accepts challenging work with enthusiasm. We’re proud of Chad’s accomplishment with the Alaska Mint. He is an excellent and professional representative for our shop, and for the railroad.”

2011 STATE MEDALLION

GOLD RELIEF VERSION

2011 STATE MEDALLION

SILVER VERSION

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

MECHANIC CHAD HAR-

PEL WORKS ON A NEW

DOOR OPENING.

(PHOTO BY STEPHENIE

WHEELER)


1ST QTR 2011

6CROSSINGS: NEWS YOU CAN USE

LEGISLATIVE REVIEW: BILLS AND FUNDING By Wendy Lindskoog, Vice President Corporate Aff airs

Th e Alaska Railroad (ARRC) is dealing with a number of legislative initiatives in Juneau that have made for an interesting session. Here’s a brief summary:

Northern Rail Extension Project (NRE)

Funding. Phase 1 of NRE would build a bridge across the Tanana River near Salcha. Funding for the bridge phase is $44 million short and the Railroad has asked the state to fund this gap. Th e Tanana Bridge would provide year-round access to one million acres of military training grounds, and many believe the project will help maintain military missions and op-portunities in Alaska. By including a levee, the project will also mitigate fl ooding and erosion in the Salcha area. If the legislature does not include $44 million in the state’s budget for this important state-wide project, the ARRC Board of Directors will not approve moving into the construction phase, which requires full and ad-equate funding. Th e railroad is unable to fund such a large gap itself, and fi nancing via tax exempt bonds is not an option due to the lack of a repayment source. Without full funding, previously committed federal grants will expire before they can be used.

Port MacKenzie Rail Extension (PMRE) Fund-

ing. Th e PMRE’s Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was issued March 25 and the project is in the permitting phase. As the project sponsor/owner the Matanuska-Susitna Bor-ough is seeking $55 million from the state to continue project design and construction. Th e Governor included $20 million in his capital request and the borough is working with the legislature to increase that amount in the fi nal capital budget. Th e ARRC Board of Directors passed a resolution of support for this funding request. Th e railroad’s project team continues to provide project management services to the borough.

House Bill 146 — Reversionary Ownership.

We are working with constituents from along the Eielson Branch to reinstate a mechanism for landowners adjacent to the railroad right-of-way (ROW) to own their property if the railroad or the state no longer use or need the easement. Th is “reversionary” language was once included in the Alaska Railroad Transfer Act (federal stat-ute) and was removed because it posed obstacles for certain railroad projects and jeopardized

ARRC’s ability to retain certain ROW segments for future economic development. HB 146 is sponsored by Representative Tammie Wilson and its companion, Senate Bill 111 is sponsored by Senator Joe Th omas. We support this bill in its current form and hope it will pass this ses-sion.

House Bill 195 — Pesticide Regulation.

Representative Eric Feige’s introduction of House Bill 195 was a welcome surprise for the railroad and Department of Transportation and Public Facilities because both agencies struggle with state permitting requirements for herbicide use. Th e bill will likely be a two-session eff ort and will probably be amended through the process. One of the legislation’s goals is to make some permit requirements discretionary, instead of mandatory. Th e ability to eff ectively use herbicides remains a safety issue as the railroad seeks to meet federal safety standards relating to vegetation control. (See the story on Herbicide Use Developments on page 12).

House Bill 223 — Executive Budget Act.

Unfortunately, this issue returned when HB 223 was introduced on April 4 by the House Finance Committee. Th is bill would place the Alaska Railroad under the Executive Budget Act thus requiring legislative approval for our bud-get and appropriations. We believe this would severely hamper ARRC’s ability to operate as a business, and impace our ability to provide fl exible service that responds to customers needs in time of rapid economic change. Th is bill will need to be addressed through the summer and into next session. Defeating this bill will require help from our Board of Directors, customers and employees.

Ice Alaska Location. Th is issue has demanded a great deal of railroad time and eff ort in Juneau this year. Th e Alaska Railroad continues to work with area legislators and Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins to move the Ice event to a new permanent and aff ord-able location. Several suitable sites with willing hosts are being considered. ARRC opposes a proposal simply give railroad land to Ice Alaska or the Borough. Th e challenge is to resolve a 15-year-old issue, while preserving a world-class community event.

Th e legislative session is scheduled to end April 17.

WENDY LINDSKOOG


1ST QTR 2011


2010 AUDITED REVIEW AND 2011 PREVIEWBy Bill O’Leary, Chief Finance Offi cer

Th e Alaska Railroad’s (ARRC) 2010 fi nancial audit is now fi nalized. It’s an appropriate time to look at how the corporation closed out last year and then turn to how we’ve fared so far in 2011 from a fi nancial perspective.

2010 Highlights ARRC’s corporate earnings were $13.4 mil-

lion. While this is markedly better than the original 2010 earnings budget of $8.4 million, we still generated a net loss of $1 million from train operations and an operating ratio of 1.01 (calculated without federal reimbursements and other non-core activities included).

Capital spending from all fund sources exceeded $73 million in 2010, a $7 million decrease from the previous year.

On the balance sheet, total assets grew by more than $24 million to end the year at $886 million. Recourse debt to ARRC remained con-stant at just over $27 million. ARRC ended the year with excellent liquidity, having a current ratio (current assets divided by current liabili-ties) of 2.2.

Solid investment returns buoyed both the pen-sion and retiree medical trust funds in 2010. By year end, the pension fund was 97% funded, while retiree medical came in at 114% funded.

ARRC once again received an unqualifi ed opin-ion from its external auditors, KPMG, LLC.

2011 To DateTh rough February, ARRC is ahead of its earn-

ings budget by $2.8 million. Prime drivers of this successful start to the year include:

A tax-credit transaction with one of our largest customers was executed in January, providing an unbudgeted boost to that month’s earnings of $2.1 million. Th is off set some revenue weakness for that month.

We beat February earnings budget by nearly $900,000 as petroleum and barge lines of busi-ness exceeded expectations, mitigating the rising cost of diesel fuel.

Once March numbers are fi nalized, we’ll review assumptions for the remaining three quarters of 2011. Th is may result in an earnings reforecast.

BILL O’LEARY


RAILROAD RELEASES 2010 ANNUAL REPORTTh e Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC)

released its 2010 annual report on April 1, with audited fi nancial statements showing $13.4 million net income on total revenues of $167.1 million.

“We’ve been working diligently towards a leaner business model and it is proving successful consider-ing the tough global economy and other challenges we faced,” said ARRC President & CEO Chris Aadnesen. “We will continue to make calculated, informed business decisions that benefi t our cus-tomers and Alaskans, while ensuring the corpora-tion remains fi nancially sound.”

Th e theme for the 2010 Annual Report is “Con-tinuous Rail,” a term used for welding segments of rail together to form longer, stronger sections of rail. Th e theme stresses the railroad’s continu-ity and resiliency in pursuing greater effi ciencies, while advancing capital investments in the wake of signifi cant 2009 cost and personnel reductions that impacted railroad operations through 2010.

One key to the railroad’s stronger-than-antici-pated results in 2010 was the organization’s ability to incorporate technology in operating practices.

For example, the railroad engineered a new method to accomplish the coal run in one pass over the mountains, as opposed to two, making the trips saf-er and faster. Th is contributed to greatly increased profi tability and effi ciency on coal runs to Seward at a time when the global market for coal was rising.

Also in 2010, the Alaska Railroad completed several capital projects that expanded our infra-structure and passenger services. Th e Passenger Services division completed the year $2.5 million ahead of projections. Another notable accomplishment was comple-tion of the Historic Freight Shed renovation which met standards of the national Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program.

An electronic copy of the annual report is available at www.AlaskaRailroad.com/

Corporate (ABOUT ARRC, Reports & Policies.).


1ST QTR 2011


2011 CORPORATE GOALS FINALIZED8 Safety and Operating Practices Reduce employee injuries by 15% from 2010. No authority violations. No FRA reportable derailments. No on-track equipment collisions. Eliminate run-away car incidents caused by hu-

man error. Reduce minor derailments by 50%. Reduce vehicle backing incidents by 50%.

Security Maintain 100% compliance with Transit Securi-

ty Agency (TSA) regulations regarding passenger train and hazardous materials transportation.

Maintain 100% compliance with Coast Guard regulations regarding port operations related to cruise ships and hazardous materials.

Financial Generate a measurable increase in yield. On the

freight side, improve average revenue per ton, per car and per train. On the passenger side, improve revenue averages per passenger, per car and per train.

Continue to diversify customer and commod-ity bases on the freight side and our wholesale/travel agent customer base on the passenger side.

Replace more of the previous Flint Hills revenue with new revenue, either from new customers, new rates or new business from existing custom-ers generating $2 million.

Generate at least $37 million in cash fl ow company-wide with Real Estate contributing at least $10.0 million to that total.

Generate an average return on Real Estate investment dollars of at least 10%.

Maintain at least 90% funded status of pension and retiree medical trust funds.

Generate an Operating Ratio of 0.93 or better.

General / Administration Initiate strategic planning between management

and Board of Directors, culminating in short, medium and long term goals and objectives.

Begin implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.

Continue implementation of the Supply Chain Audit recommendations.

Revenue trains travel Anchorage-Fairbanks in 12 hours: summer 45%, winter 70% of the time.

Successfully complete the Positive Train Control Development Plan (PTCDP) with FRA issuing type approval.

Develop a Corporate Succession Plan for all vice presidents and director positions.

Expand Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid training to all employees.

Based upon customer satisfaction survey and other data, develop programs to improve corpo-rate image

Manage facility energy use to 2009 levels. Delineate and more visibly mark the ROW

through Anchorage. Develop and implement the Real Estate

Customer Relations Action Plan. Complete radio narrow banding eff ort by

December 31, 2011.

SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY AND SECURITY

RAILROADERS LEARN DERAILMENT SAFETYFifty-two railroaders participated in derailment

safety training held February 24-25 at the Bill Sheffi eld Alaska Railroad Depot at the Anchorage International Airport.

Th e trainer was Warren Egan, Vice President of the well-regarded TUV Rhenland Rail Sciences, Inc. (TUV-RSI). Egan is a 40-plus year veteran of the railroad industry and has worked for several of the major U.S. railroads. TUV-RSI is a leading independent consulting fi rm specializing in derail-ment investigation.

Th e two-day seminar provided a refresher on derailment investigations, including how and why

derailments occur. Training goals were 1) to reduce the occurrence of derailments; and 2), to better identify (and thus, prevent) the primary causes of derailments.

Th e seminar was designed for a cross-section of railroad personnel, from mechanical, to main-tenance, to transportation and administration. Indeed, Alaska Railroad participants came from many departments, including Signal, Information Services/Technology, Project Management, Main-tenance of Way, Mechanical, Police & Security, Transportation, Safety, Engineering and Human Resources.


1ST QTR 2011


PORT MAC RAIL EXTENSION EIS IS FINALTh e Offi ce of Environmental Analysis (OEA) of

the Surface Transportation Board (STB) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) on March 25 for the Port MacKenzie Rail Extension. Th e FEIS recommends the Mac East Variant (Mac Central) and Houston South as the rail route for STB approval.

Th e 32-mile extension will link the deepwater Port MacKenzie to the mainline of the Alaska Rail-road. Th e STB fi nding fi nalizes a rigorous EIS, fi eld work and public involvement process that began in 2007. Th e Mac Central-Houston South alignment is the product of concerted eff orts of the project team to minimize impacts and integrate public comment into route refi nements. Th e STB deter-mined this alternative has the fewest environmental impacts among all options. Along the corridor, only one house will need to be relocated. Trail access will remain intact and six bridges and several culverts will be built to facilitate water fl ow and fi sh passage.

Th e project team hosted an open house April 7 to discuss the FEIS, project status, next steps and further eff orts to minimize impacts through the fi nal design process.

Funding is available to pursue fi nal design and construction of the fi rst fi ve miles of embank-ment, which is expected to begin this spring. Th e Alaska State Legislature is considering an additional appropriation of $55 million, which would fund

another 12.8 miles of the rail embankment in sum-mer 2012. For more information and a link to the FEIS, visit www.portmacrail.com.

SIGNALS: SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETY AND SECURITY

INCIDENT REPORTING GOES ELECTRONICIncident and acci-

dent reporting for Alaska Railroad employees has changed for the better. No longer will safety-related occurrences be logged in an archaic paper ledger. Instead, they will be reported using new database software called Compliance Suite Reporting. Likewise, documentation typically associated with accidents and incidents will now be housed electronically and linked to the database entries. Th is will facilitate incident/acci-dent investigation, tracking and regulatory compli-ance. In conjunction with this change, the Chief Dispatcher will no longer provide incident numbers because Compliance Suite will auto-assign incident numbers.

Managers and supervisors will primarily be dealing with the software, said Safety Director Mark Mitchell. Th e Compli-ance Suite Reporting Log-in is available on the railroad’s internal employee web site. Th e link to Compliance Suite has a home on the Safety Safe Zone web page under the “Accident/Incident Reporting and Logs” tab. While the Safety

Department has begun training end users on how to use the database, the Compliance Suite software is intuitive and easy to use through the web portal.

For assistance with logging onto the web portal for Compliance Suite, please contact the Informa-tion Technology Helpdesk at 265-2570.

LEFT: THE OLD-STYLE

“AX BOOK” USED TO

LOG ACCIDENTS AND

INCIDENTS IS NO

LONGER IN USE. A NEW

ELECTRONIC DATABASE

METHOD WILL NOW BE

USED FOR LOGGING AND

TRACKING TO BETTER

MEET ADMINISTRATIVE

AND REGULATORY

REQUIREMENTS.


1ST QTR 2011


SNOW DUMP FOULS FAIRBANKS OPERATIONSOn President’s Day, Febru-

ary 21, about a foot-and-a-half of snow fell in the Fairbanks area, followed by another fi ve inches on Friday, February 25. While Fairbanks snow depth is about normal for the season, it is unusual for an Interior storm to accumulate more than a few inches at a time.

Windy conditions created massive, packed snow drifts — some as tall as a home garage door! Th e snow’s depth and tightly packed consistency made for diffi cult conditions for near-ly two weeks, as maintenance, mechanical and transportation crews dug out. Even the simplest of tasks became more com-plex as yard tracks became clogged and switches became immobile due to packed snow. Heavy equipment operators were out in force trying to remove the deep snow and drifts in parking and work ar-eas. Meanwhile, several train movements required hours of digging with a shovel simply to clear tracks and switches.

Packed snow between the rails on a crossing also contributed to a minor derailment in the area nearby the Uni-versity Power Plant. Two empty hopper cars came off the track while traversing a crossing as the seven-car train headed back to the rail yard after delivering coal.

ABOVE: A YARD SWITCH IS

BURIED IN THE SNOW.

TOP RIGHT: TRAIN CREWS

PITCHED IN TO DIG OUT

YARD TRACK AND SWITCHES

THAT WERE CLOGGED AND

IMPASSABLE DUE TO THE

PACKED SNOW.

MIDDLE RIGHT: RAILCARS

ARE STRANDED BY 18

INCHES OF SNOW

COVERING THE RAILS ON

EITHER SIDE.

MAINTENANCE CREWS CLEAR YARD SWITCHES TO GET TRAINS

MOVING AGAIN.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS WORK TO CLEAR PARK-

ING AND OPERATING AREAS IN THE YARD.


1ST QTR 2011


FB OPS CENTER EXPANDS LOCKER ROOMTh e Alaska Railroad Facilities Maintenance

Department recently completed a locker room ex-pansion and renovation at the two-story Fairbanks Operations Center. Th e $20,000 project converted about two-thirds of an infrequently used meet-ing room into a larger locker area for male opera-tions and train crew members. Men’s and women’s restrooms were swapped so that the men’s restroom would be adjacent to the new men’s locker area. A shower was added to men’s and women’s facilities and both locker rooms received a major facelift to walls, fl oors, stalls, electrical and plumbing features.

Fairbanks Terminal Superintendent Austin Hill was a driver behind the expansion/renovation, having heard from train crews that more locker space was needed, along with shower facilities. Th e work was done entirely in-house by railroad facility maintenance crews based in Fairbanks and Anchor-age. From Anchorage: Maintenance Plummer Eric Barney, Maintenance Mechanic Chad Harpel, and

Maintenance Technicians Eric Stevenson and Kevin Tackitt. From Fairbanks: Maintenance Mechanics Doug Behan and Steve Chiperno, and Electrician Royd Mashaney.

Fairbanks Operations Center Locker Room Expansion: South Side, Bottom Level

1 CHAD HARPEL FINISH-

ES THE OPENING TO THE

NEW DOOR CONNECTING

THE MEN’S RESTROOM

TO THE LOCKER ROOM.

2 STEVE CHIPERNO

PREPARES THE WALL FOR

PAINTING IN THE NEW

MEN’S LOCKER ROOM.

3 KEVIN TACKITT PULLS

UP THE OLD FLOORING

IN THE RESTROOM AREAS.

4 ROYD MASHANEY

WORKS ON ELECTRICAL

IMPROVEMENTS ABOVE

THE CEILING.

5 THE NEW COMPLETED

SHOWER STALL IN THE

MEN’S RESTROOM. AN

IDENTICAL SHOWER

IS INSTALLED IN THE

WOMEN’S RESTROOM.

3

21

4 5


1ST QTR 2011

12

A FEW WEEKS AFTER

AQUAMASTER

HERBICIDE WAS SPRAYED

(LATE JULY 2010)

ALONG THE TRACK NEAR

DIVIDE, JUST NORTH

OF SEWARD, ADEC

OBSERVED THAT WEEDS

WERE EFFECTIVELY

KILLED ONLY WHERE THE

HERBICIDE WAS APPLIED,

ON THE TRACK.

(PHOTO COURTESY OF

MATT KELZENBERG)


UPDATE: HERBICIDE USE DEVELOPMENTSTh e Alaska Railroad has been involved in a

number of recent developments surrounding her-bicide use for integrated vegetation management. Th ese include new herbicide use permit applications in 2011, legal victories involving the 2009 permit, progress on the university herbicide research, and herbicide regulation legislation.

2011 Permit ApplicationsTh e Alaska Railroad applied for two additional

Alaska Department of Environ-mental Conservation (ADEC) herbicide use permits in late January — one covering the Anchorage Yard and one cover-ing the Healy and Fairbanks Yards, the Suntrana Branch in Healy and the Eielson and Airport Branches in Fairbanks. Like the 2009 permit, the new permit applications request use of the glyphosate-based herbi-

cide AquaMaster and the surfactant (to eff ectively apply the herbicide) Agri-Dex.

ADEC public hearings were held in mid-February. Th e Anchorage Yard permit hearing took place February 18 in Anchorage and the Fairbanks/Healy area permit hearing occurred February 22 in Fairbanks. Th e deadline for public comments on both permits was March 16. Neither permit has generated substantial public input compared to earlier permit applications. No one attended the Anchorage hearing and only two people came to the Fairbanks hearing, but no one testifi ed. ADEC in-dicates that less than a dozen comments have been submitted for both permits.

ARRC is now waiting for ADEC to process and respond to the comments, and then make a decision on whether or not to approve the permits.

2010 Permit: Seward, Second YearIn spring 2010, ADEC approved a two-year per-

mit to apply AquaMaster/Agri-Dex in the Seward Yard and along 30 miles of track between Seward and Indian. Th e Seward-area permit was challenged in court by several environmental groups in 2010. Th e initial emergency appeal to stop the railroad from applying herbicide was not successful, and the railroad was able to apply the herbicide in late July 2010, with good eff ect. However, opponents also challenged ADEC’s permit procedures and raised a factual question regarding the health and safety of the permitted herbicide. In February 2011, an administrative law judge (ALJ) rejected the proce-dural challenge, and in March the opponents asked

that the factual question be dismissed. Th e ALJ should render a fi nal decision by mid-April. Th e opposing group would have 30 days to appeal the formal decision to Alaska courts, which had rejected a similar appeal in 2010. Unless an appeal is made and succeeds, ARRC plans to apply herbicide along the Seward-Indian corridor in June.

University Herbicide Research ResultsResults from the fi rst year’s research on the

railroad’s south end (in and around Seward) have been fi nalized and a report was delivered April 1. Results confi rm that AquaMaster / Agri-Dex behave similarly to other locations and environments, and that the herbicide does not linger or migrate. Preliminary results for the north end research are expected this spring, and the entire research project is still projected to wrap up in 2011.

Herbicide Regulation Legislation (HB 195)Representative Eric Feige of Chickaloon has

sponsored legislation (House Bill 195) that pertains to the regulation and use of pesticides and broadcast chemicals. Th e legislation would remove a statu-tory mandate requiring a long, complicated and in-depth ADEC process for all pesticide use permits that involve public land or public funding, regard-less of risks to health or the environment. If the legislation passes, ADEC would retain authority to regulate pesticides, including by means of permits if it chose, but would be free to better focus its resources and permit requirements on projects with greater potential risks to health and the environ-ment.

Th e Alaska Railroad’s herbicide permit applica-tions request use of glyphosate, which is a well-studied herbicide proven to be a safe and eff ective with virtually no health risks to humans or wildlife. ARRC’s permit applications also include stipula-tions that exceed regulatory water buff er require-ments. If HB 195 passes, ADEC could review such low-risk projects with a less-extensive process, perhaps not even requiring a permit, while still pro-viding adequate environmental protection through pesticide registration, certifi cation of pesticide ap-plicators, and otherwise allowing the department to allocate staff resources where the need is greater.

ARRC has provided the legislature and others with information regarding the cost and resources its has spent on vegetation management and the herbicide permit processes, as well as the substan-tial environmental and safety risks stemming from permit processes that prevent timely herbicide ap-plication. Railroad personnel also recently testifi ed during legislative hearings on HB 195.


1ST QTR 2011


CUSTOMER SERVICE REMAINS KEY FOCUSAs noted in this issue’s President’s Message,

customer service is a key focus for the Alaska Railroad in 2011. Company-wide, departments are investigating how to improve service to internal and external customers. Some departments are identify-ing ways to enhance communications, others are formulating ideas to foster stronger relationships, and still others are developing comprehensive action plans aimed at providing overall better customer service.

Th e Real Estate & Facilities Department off ers an example of an action-plan approach. In early February, Real Estate produced a special supple-ment to its regular Tenant Ties newsletter that was dedicated to explaining the Real Estate Customer Relations Action Plan, which builds on earlier ef-forts to expand two-way communication. Th e news-letter supplement, called Tenant Wise, included the plan’s purpose, evolution, and an outline of specifi c activities and programs. Th is newsletter is available on the external web site, www.AlaskaRailroad.com (click on Media, then newsletters).

Recognizing that communication is essential to good service, Real Estate has implemented several communication tools, in addition to publishing a periodic customer-specifi c newsletter. Other tools include organizing “town-hall” tenant meetings, creating a group email list to quickly disseminate in-formation to key customer contacts, and establish-ing interactive working groups to address hot issues. Real Estate is also committed to working closely with the Alaska Railroad Leaseholders Association on issues of mutual concern.

Some department procedures have been modifi ed with customer satisfaction in mind. For example, Real Estate recently developed consistent procedures for investigating, responding to, and resolving cus-tomer complaints. Procedures for lease processing and lease tracking were streamlined to minimize errors and avoid delays.

Finally, Real Estate personnel are honing their customer service awareness through staff training, regular staff meetings, and annual job performance appraisals that consider customer service factors.

Real Estate’s eff orts also demonstrate how action plans need to evolve as new opportunities and ideas arise. Following the distribution of the Tenant Wise newsletter supplement, some real estate customers reiterated a desire to form a Lease Advisory Group that would address ongoing lease-related issues. Th is was added to the action plan, and indeed a group was formed, to include several tenant representa-tives, real estate developers, Real Estate Department staff and members of the ARRC Board of Directors Real Estate Committee. Th e group met for the fi rst time March 29, 2011.


RAILROAD DELINEATES ROW BOUNDARYTh e Alaska Railroad is in the process of delineat-

ing and marking the right-of-way (ROW) bound-ary through Anchorage, where some residents and businesses have unintentionally encroached onto railroad property. By increasing boundary visibility, ARRC hopes to promote public awareness of the ROW as a “safety corridor” reserved for train opera-tions. Th e delineation project starts at Potter Hill, just south of Anchorage, and runs north to Elmen-dorf Air Force Base. Smaller areas in Birchwood and Eklutna are also included.

Th e railroad hired Lounsbury and Associates to complete a preliminary survey beginning in late February and continuing through March. Th e survey data is being used to determine bound-ary control points. Subsequently, distinctive blue

posts will be installed to physically mark the ROW boundary through the project corridor. Th e 6-foot durable carsonite posts will be driven two feet into the ground approximately every 200 feet along the boundary. Post installation is scheduled once the passenger season concludes in mid-September.

Th e delineation eff ort augments the U.S. Survey monuments that currently mark the boundary. Th e U.S. Surveys were completed by the federal govern-ment as part of the Alaska Railroad Transfer Act that accompanied the State of Alaska’s purchase of the railroad in 1985.

For more information about the safety corridor delineation project, contact Land Services Specialist Patrick Kelly by phone at (907) 265-2411, or email [email protected].

DISTINCTIVE DURABLE

BLUE POSTS WILL BE IN-

STALLED TO MORE VISIBLY

MARK THE RAILROAD’S

PROPERTY BOUNDARY

ALONG THE ROW

THROUGH ANCHORAGE.

ARRC BOARD MEMBER

JON COOK (LEFT)

DISCUSSES HIS

EMPLOYER’S LEASING

CONSIDERATIONS, AS

ARRC TENANT DOUG

LECHNER LISTENS.

(PHOTO BY STEPHENIE

WHEELER)


1ST QTR 2011

14SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

BOMB TEAM CONDUCTS RAILCAR EXERCISEElvis trotted down the aisle of the passenger

railcar, sniffi ng intently as Offi cer Scott Trent fol-lowed closely behind. Th e Anchorage International Airport (AIA) police offi cer was demonstrating the remarkable bomb-detection skills of his K-9 partner. With a nose at least 50 times more sensi-tive than a human, the Belgian Malinois is able to discern the scent of bomb materials hidden in a backpack or buried among dozens of passengers and their luggage.

Th e duo were taking part in an Anchorage Bomb Team training exercise held January 20 us-ing several passenger and baggage railcars parked inside the Anchorage Yard Car Shop. Th e team is comprised of offi cers from the Anchorage Police Department, AIA Police Department, Federal Bu-reau of Investigation (FBI), and the Alaska Railroad Police & Security Department. Two Transit Security Agency (TSA) bomb dogs also participated.

Th e January exercises were designed to famil-iarize the Anchorage Bomb Team with railroad passenger equipment, as well as determine the best approach and operations to use in a railroad-based situation. TSA and AIA explosive detection dogs were used to discover potential bomb devices onboard a train. Participants also trained to identify, check and remove suspicious baggage by employing the dogs, X-ray equipment and some very impres-sive robots.

Railroad Special Agent John Bennett is well-acquainted with this type of training. As a bomb team member since 1999, Bennett engages in

bomb-related training once a month. He earned FBI certifi cation as a bomb/hazardous devices tech-nician after completing training at the U.S. Army Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.

“When John joined the railroad police force late last year, I fully supported his continued member-ship in the bomb team,” said Dan Frerich, Director of ARRC Police & Security. “His current expertise and ongoing training is a signifi cant benefi t to the railroad. Clearly John’s involvement enhances our interagency coordination and cooperation.”

Frerich notes that the railroad has hosted other cooperative emergency response training in the recent past. For example, ARRC invited special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams from the FBI and Alaska State Troopers to conduct drills on a passenger train.

Fortunately, the Alaska Railroad has not experienced any real-world issues on the train that required either a SWAT team or the bomb squad to respond. However, said Frerich, “Th e Alaska Rail-road’s operations and equipment are unique, and if such a situation arises, this training will help these specialized response teams resolve the issue more eff ectively.”

ANCHORAGE POLICE OFFICER TROY CLARK

OPERATES A LARGER ROBOT USED IN BOMB

THREAT SITUATIONS. THE ROBOT LATER

PICKS UP A SUSPICIOUS LUGGAGE PIECE.

LEFT: A SMALL BOMB-HANDLING ROBOT MAKES ITS WAY DOWN THE

AISLE OF A RAILCAR. RIGHT: OUTSIDE THE RAILCAR ANCHORAGE POLICE

OFFICER DODIE WARREN (LEFT) AND ALASKA RAILROAD SPECIAL AGENT

JOHN BENNETT SEE THE ROBOT’S VIEW VIA THE CONTROLLER EQUIPMENT.

ANCHORAGE AIRPORT

POLICE OFFICER SCOTT

TRENT FOLLOWS K-9 ELVIS

DOWN THE AISLE OF A

PASSENGER RAILCAR AS THE

DOG SNIFFS FOR HIDDEN

“BOMB” MATERIAL.

(PHOTOS COURTESY OF

JOHN BENNETT)

If such a situation arises, this training will help these special-ized response teams resolve the issue more effectively.

DAN FRERICH


1ST QTR 2011

15SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

VOLUNTEERS SERVE AS SCIENCE FAIR JUDGESAs part of the Alaska Railroad’s school business

partnership with Government Hill Elementary School, railroad employees volunteer to assist with several events throughout the school year. One event is the annual science fair. Th e school needs judges to provide constructive feedback to budding young scientists in grades kindergarten through sixth. 2011 science fair volunteers included Project Program Manager Sandy Holmes, Engineering Information Systems Program Manager Rebecca Morris, Project Management Director Mark Peterburs, and Corporate Communications Offi cer Stephenie Wheeler.

LEFT: RAILROADER SANDY

HOLMES DISCUSSES A

SCIENCE PROJECT DISPLAY

WITH A STUDENT.

BOTTOM LEFT: RAILROADER

BECKY MORRIS PROVIDES

SOME FEEDBACK REGARDING

A STUDENT’S DISPLAY.

BOTTOM RIGHT: RAIL-

ROADER MARK PETERBURS

OFFERS SOME

POINTERS ON A

STUDENT’S PROJECT

ABOUT KINETIC

ENERGY.

SIDINGS: EMPLOYEE HAPPENINGS

OPERATION LIFESAVER SEEKS VOLUNTEERSFew realize that in America, a person or vehicle

is hit by a train roughly every three hours. Opera-tion Lifesaver (OL) is a non-profi t organization that seeks to improve that grim statistic in part through public education programs. OL-certifi ed volunteers off er rail safety education programs in all 50 states.

If fact, OL has a presence overseas. ARRC President/CEO Chris Aadnesen recalls establishing an Operation Lifesaver program in Estonia while he was CEO and chairman of Estonian Railways (ER). “I am a strong supporter of Operation Lifesaver,” said Aadnesen. “It is a great program, and I’d like to see solid participation from the railroad and the communities in Alaska.”

OL representatives speak to school groups, com-munity audiences, professional drivers, law enforce-ment offi cers, and emergency responders, among others. OL programs are co-sponsored by federal, state and local government agencies, highway safety organizations and U.S. railroads, including ARRC.

For years, Jim Seeberger served as the Alaska State OL Coordinator. Since Seeberger retired in January, Safety & Training Manager Dwight West

has accepted the post, and will attend an OL State Coordinators Summit in Portland in mid-April to glean ideas on operating and growing the local OL program, and build his network of OL support.

In turn, West is seeking the support of fellow railroaders to help increase the OL presence in Alaska. “We need volunteers who can dedicate a few hours per year to become certifi ed presenters,” said West. “Being an OL volunteer has been one of the most rewarding endeavors I’ve engaged in.”

About once per year, National OL instructors are invited to Alaska to train new recruits and off er refresher courses to existing volunteers. West is planning a training seminar this fall. In the mean-time, interested railroaders are welcome to observe OL presentations and to learn more about OL via the organization’s web site at www.oli.org.

West will also develop partnerships with emergency response and law enforcement agen-cies, school districts, hunting and fi shing and other recreational organizations. Railroaders who have contacts within these organizations are encouraged to provide West with contact information.

(PHOTOS BY STEPHENIE

WHEELER)

DWIGHT WEST

FIRST QUARTER 2011

ALL ABOARDALL ABOARDNEWSLETTER FOR ALASKA RAILROAD EMPLOYEES

Alaska Railroad Corporation

P.O. Box 107500

Anchorage, AK 99510-7500

www.AlaskaRailroad.com

Printed on recycled paper

Member &Suppporter

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDANCHORAGE, AKPERMIT NO. 500

GREAT SHOT! PHOTOS ON THE RAILEMPLOYEE PHOTO SUBMISSIONS ELIGIBLE FOR $200 DRAWING

Alaska Railroad employees who enjoy photography, or who just get lucky with a great railroad-themed photo, are encouraged to submit their images for inclusion in the All Aboard employee newsletter. We are looking for employees to share their perspective — whether documenting fellow railroaders at work; captur-ing a stunning scene along the railroad route; or snapping friends, family or customers enjoying a railroad experience.

At the end of each calendar year, the All Aboard editor puts the names of all employees who submitted a photo during the year into a “hat” and draws one name to receive $200 in gift certifi cates. To participate, submit your photos to Stephenie Wheeler via company mail or email digital photo fi les to [email protected]. If using a digital camera, be sure the camera setting is on “fi ne” or “high resolution” to ensure photos are suitable for print.

If you have questions, contact Wheeler at 265-2671. HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC JEFF DEBROECK SNAPS A FUEL TRAIN NEAR CHUILITNA

DURING THE COLORFUL FALL 2010.

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