 December 02, 2003
The two signed the Intergovernmental Relations Accord Monday in Whitehorse. The accord commits the two governments to work cooperatively on issues important to both of them. Key areas of opportunity to explore include tourism, transportation, trade and commerce, and resource development. "This accord is one more example of our continuing efforts to strengthen connections with our northern neighbors," host Fentie said. "By signing this accord, we can ensure that northerners can benefit from economic development, no matter which side of the border they live and work on." "This accord provides an exciting opportunity to expand our historic relationship founded with the Gold Rush of '98," Murkowski said. "Today we can look forward to the mutual benefits from the developments of our natural resources and tourism. "Now lies the prospect of a transportation corridor containing a rail connection from Alaska to northern BC, railheads through the Yukon, as well as a gas line from the Alaska Arctic along with a fiber optic communications system. This would enhance the economic viability of Alaska and the Yukon and our respective countries as well," Murkowski said. Murkowski has invited the premiers of British Columbia, Alberta, Yukon, and Northwest Territories to a summit in Juneau later this spring to discuss emerging developments in the north. Fentie plans to attend an Alaska
State Senate Transportation Committee meeting this January on
the proposed railroad project through BC, the Yukon, and Alaska.
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