KUAC to air Klondike Alaska: A Rail History

Submitted by Ann Dowdy
Phone: 907-474-1890
02/15/05

This chronicle of man and machine’s struggle to move mountains will premiere on Wednesday, March 9 at 8:30 p.m. on Alaska One.

Throughout the modern history of Alaska and the Yukon, railroads have been an integral part of the building of these territories. When most people think of railroads in Alaska, they think of Alaska Railroad and White Pass & Yukon Railroad. Nevertheless, there were over 24 other railroads that laid tracks and operated for at least a year in Alaska, the Yukon and British Columbia. These railroads operated from the dense rain forests of Southeast Alaska to the open tundra of the Seward Peninsula and ranged from a mile to over 500 miles in length.

"Klondike Alaska: A Rail History" chronicles the struggles of the men and machines who moved mountains - often in subzero temperatures.

Funding for Klondike Alaska was made possible in part by the United States Department of Agriculture, Alaska Railroad Corporation and KUAC viewers. Travel and accommodations assistance were provided by Alaska Airlines through the Office of the Chancellor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska Marine Highway System, Alaska Railroad Corporation, and Northern Nights Bed & Breakfast in Cordova.

"The railroad has a rich history in Alaska and the stories are fascinating," said Greg Petrowich, General Manager of KUAC and President of Alaska One. "We’re pleased we could bring this story to the TV screen and present it to the entire state."

TV Producer, Mark Cosson came to work at KUAC as a documentary video producer in January 2000. His production credits include: "Merging Destinies," "If We Dance: The Story of the Intertribal Pow Wow," "Inside Alaska," and "Live from the Aurora." In his spare time, Mark collects antique cars and trucks and works as an engineer on an historic steam locomotive in Fairbanks’ Pioneer Park.

Serving Interior Alaska, KUAC TV 9 FM 89.9 Alaska One, public radio and public television is a multiple-media organization with a mission to provide quality noncommercial programming and services that enlighten, inspire, educate and entertain. KUAC is licensed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks.