FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — Public officials in Fairbanks are assessing effects from closure of the North Pole Refinery by June 1.
North Pole Mayor Bryce Ward tells the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner that Flint Hills Resources accounts for roughly one-third of the city property tax base.
The property accounts for 1.8 percent of the Fairbanks North Star Borough net assessed valuation.
Golden Valley Electric Association burned oil for 29 percent of power provided to rural Fairbanks customers in 2013 and spokesman Cory Borgeson says it's logical to expect an energy cost increase.
The Alaska Railroad has been transporting at least 30 railcars of jet fuel each weekday. Flint Hills will continue as a fuel terminal and a railroad spokesman says the closure may mean a change in rail use rather than a loss.
