Alaska misunderstood

Wed., Sept. 16, 2015

News article writers need to understand that the reason that homes north of the Arctic Circle are on stilts is not due to global warming, storms or weather. They are raised above the ground so the warm house does not melt the permafrost which supports the foundations of each home or building.

I used to live in Barrow, Alaska, and the entire town is heated by natural gas from nearby city wells and even the steam pipes have to be above the ground to keep the heavy building from sinking as the ice (permafrost) under the soft ground thaws.

Native people get money, health care and other benefits – hunting (14 whales per year), fishing, furs, imported food, soda and education – paid for by taxes on oil, gas and pipelines. Perhaps some facts in news stories or research on Alaska conditions would help the media write articles.

Fred Price

Spokane Valley

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