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Yukon and Alaska fund feasibility study to assess potential for further cooperation

FOR RELEASE
October 15, 2013

WHITEHORSE—The governments of Yukon and Alaska have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to assess the feasibility of developing electrical and telecommunications connections between Yukon and Southeast Alaska.

Both governments are providing $150,000 in funding for a feasibility study as part of the MOU.

“Today, we are charting a path forward to turn our respective energy challenges into a potential competitive advantage for economic growth and prosperity,” Yukon Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources Scott Kent said. “We believe this project could bolster energy supplies and help ensure energy security for both Alaska and Yukon.”

In addition to examining electrical and telecommunications connections between the two jurisdictions, the study will also examine the viability of creating an economic corridor that could facilitate new electrical generation options near Skagway.

“This agreement brings potential benefits to communities in both Yukon and Alaska from the increased availability of broadband and access to affordable electrical generation,” Alaska Commissioner of the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development Susan Bell said. “To examine the feasibility for increasing fiber optic networks that would potentially connect in Juneau and perhaps include a Ketchikan to Prince Rupert link, as well as potential energy projects, is welcome news for Southeast Alaska. Communications infrastructure and affordable energy are the foundations needed to build strong communities.”

The MOU is an appendix to the existing Alaska-Yukon Intergovernmental Relations Accordthat was signed by Premier Darrell Pasloski and Governor Sean Parnell in June 2012.

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Contact:

Elaine Schiman
Cabinet Communications
867-633-6971
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca

Brigitte Parker
Communications, Energy, Mines and Resources
867-667-3183
brigitte.parker@gov.yk.ca

Dru Fenster
Communications Coordinator
Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development
State of Alaska
907-465-2523
dru.fenster@alaska.gov

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