Fairbanks: Mahn Cho, School Starts, Door Knocking and More!

August 29, 2023

Dear Neighbors,

The fireweed blossoms continue to move up their stems signaling that summer is coming to an end. For youth, parents and teachers, school has started and kindergarten to college, middle school to grad school, students are returning to an environment of in-person learning. I remember how excited I was for the first day of classes throughout my education, I hope that those still going to school feel the same. Construction projects across the state are beginning to button up and finish before the first snow flies and the temperatures drop and make working outdoors untenable. Finally, the long-awaited trucks from Black Gold Express have begun to ship north to Fairbanks as part of the transportation plan for Kinross and the Mahn Cho Mine in Tok. I was able to view the truck, trailers, engine, axels and braking system as well as speak with representatives of the company.

Mining is Rooted in Fairbanks

Fairbanks celebrates Golden Days in July with a week of events, history and fanfare around the founding of gold in Fox, Alaska and the boom town that grew on the banks of the Chena River more than 110 years ago. To say the mining is still part of the interior life is an understatement as many jobs, businesses and lives remain involved in the extraction industry. The Mahn Cho mining project in Tetlin (near Tok on the Alaska Highway) is another in a long line of interior mines that the sponsor Kinross has concluded would help to feed the current mining mill operations north of Fairbanks for years to come.

While many, myself included, have been supportive of safe and responsible mining, the proposal to truck semi-processed ore from Tetlin through Fairbanks to the mill has caused a pause for some who are concerned with the potential safety hazard, the costs associated with larger and heavier truck traffic as well as pollution from noise, engine emissions and potential spills. After investigating the trucking proposal further, there does not seem to be any potential restrictions that would rule out the proposal entirely, though the trucks would be regulated under existing and current laws-which are not very strict and have been underregulated for decades. As the Legislature returns to work in January, we will consider other ways to make it work out for both concerned Alaskans on the road corridor and the owners of the mining lease. It might take new legislation, expedited processing for a new mining mill closer to the mine, restrictions on time/place/manner or alternate transportation routes like utilization of the Alaska Railroad which just celebrated its Centennial. I will continue to remain engaged and open to thoughtful public discourse.

Help Solve the School District Driver Shortage

Bus drivers, attendants and crossing guards are integral to a successful and safe school year. With 80 bus routes across the district this year and too few drivers, it has caused parents to create small car pools or children to walk a greater distance-both solutions of which will not work in the long term. The Durham School Services team is currently hiring in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District with accommodating hours and generous benefits. To find out more please click here.

Fox Natural Spring Water

One of the many perks of driving north on the Elliot Highway is stopping by the Fox Spring wayside to fill up on a clean, refreshing natural water stream. The Friends of Fox Spring, a North Star Community Foundation group, has been responsible for raising funds each year to help pay for the expenses that occur to keep up regular maintenance and safety of the grounds. The group has also been working closely with Alaska Department of Transportation and is happy to announce that this year DOT will be working to fix up the dilapidated spigot shack that has provided water for so many travelers and locals. Many more fixes such as weatherization are in the works for this beloved spot in the coming years. If you’re interested in DOTs progress, you can keep up with their work on the spring here. To support the Friends of Fox Springs and keeping the amazing water flowing, click here.

Meeting My Neighbors One Door at a Time

I have been super busy during the summer and thankfully been able to take some time to talk to neighbors with Representative Maxine Dibert. We have been talking with folks about what we did during session as well as important issues facing the future of the community. It’s important that your state legislators constantly meet with you-not just on election years-and we will continue in to the fall for as long as sun is up and the temperatures remain balmy. Thank you to everyone who allowed us to spend time talking about important issues!

Noyes Slough Bridge Delayed

As many have heard, the Noyes Slough Bridge reconstruction will NOT be completed at the anticipated October deadline. DOT&PF and the contractor is waiting on seven concrete girders that will span the slough from the Anchorage manufacturing plant. By the time that they arrive, it will be too late in the season for the concrete to harden at the low temperatures. The contractor is currently finishing up the improved utilities and drainage of either side of the bridge to allow for traffic to flow through Bridgewater Drive and Willow Street which are currently closed.

Support our Local Schools!

Every year, many teachers find themselves reaching into their own pockets to afford school supplies for their classrooms and students. The Legislature was able to pass a small increase this year to school funding, though Governor Dunleavy cut a significant portion of education funds. I recognize that the increase allocated this year is not enough. I have continuously supported schools getting more funding allocated to them for years, something I hope to work on more during the next legislative session. While this is no way to properly fund our public schools, something we can all do to support our local schools is participating in the Box Tops Program. Many schools in the Fairbanks North Star Borough are participating in this program and would benefit from our contributions.

My Staff and I are Here for You

As always, I and my staff are are still working for you. Feel free to contact my office and we will assist you with issues important to you and your family.

Working Hard for Fairbanks Families,