Anchorage's Economic Forecast

Steve Forbes speaks up about Alaska's economic state

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Jan 25, 2012 at 9:37 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Jan 25, 2012 at 10:13 PM AKDT

Businessman and media mogul, Chairman/Editor of Forbes Media, Steve Forbes addressed 1,500 of the states top players in business and industry, in Anchorage Wednesday.

His message was clear – Alaska could be doing better when it comes to growth in oil and gas.

Forbes said development in Alaska of liquefied natural gas facilities for export should start now, and that the best destination is energy hungry Asia.

He said the huge boom in the Lower 48 has made that market not as viable.

The change needs to be made at both federal and state levels – to make it easier for companies to develop.

“The federal government has to stop putting in unnecessary barriers and allow for exploration, and Alaska itself has to overhaul its energy tax system – which is one of the most oppressive in the world,” said Forbes.

Forbes was a Guest Speaker at a lunch for the release of the 2012 Economic Forecast for Anchorage.

Anchorage residents can expect to see more growth in health – with an additional 700 new jobs.

Expecting 500 new jobs is the tourism industry.

According to AEDC, the construction sector is looking at a continues decline.

“We peaked out in 2006 – 9700 jobs due to a number of commercial projects, government projects and a lot of activity in the housing sector – all of those have cooled down and now we see this downward trend,” said AEDC President Bill Popp.

In the next year Anchorage should expect 1500 residents to gain employment.

 

 

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