vestment across Alaska. That growth creates jobs, strengthens local econ - omies and supports the contractors and businesses that are part of the broader TAPS business system. Technology, upgraded systems and ongoing reinvestment are im - proving safety, reliability and envi - ronmental performance across the line. These advancements not only extend the life of the pipeline but en - sure we continue operating in a way that reflects Alaskans’ expectations for safety and stewardship. Looking ahead, the combina - tion of new development, modern infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce positions TAPS to remain a strong and stabilizing force for Alas - ka’s economy. With continued industry activi - ty and a commitment to long-term operations, TAPS will keep deliver - ing opportunity in jobs, revenue and community resilience well into the next 50 years.
real momentum on the North Slope right now that will increase through - put for TAPS, signaling an optimistic future for our state. With healthy infrastructure and supportive pol - icies and economic conditions, the opportunities for current and future jobs, investment and state revenues continue. How do you envision TAPS contrib- uting to Alaska’s prosperity for the next 50 years? This is such an exciting time to be a part of Alyeska and TAPS’ legacy. With the 50th anniversary of TAPS operations on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to celebrate Alaska’s iconic pipeline and the proud people who built it and maintain it. We’re also focused on our shared TAPS 100 vision and the next 50 years of TAPS operations. Activity on the North Slope is trending upward, signaling increased TAPS throughput and renewed in -
Whether stabilizing slopes, refining tank-cleaning processes or investing in equipment that cuts waste and streamlines maintenance, technolo - gy helps us operate more efficiently while protecting Alaska’s land, water and wildlife. What would Alaska look like without TAPS in the coming decades? It’s hard to imagine Alaska with - out TAPS. For more than 50 years, the pipeline has provided jobs, reve - nue, growth and stability for Alaska communities, as well as opportuni - ties for Alaskans. The absence of TAPS and Alaska’s oil and gas industry would cre - ate gaps that no single industry, or frankly numerous industries, could ever fill. Without it, Alaska would face a far leaner economy, fewer opportunities and greater uncertainty about its future. Our vision is for TAPS 100 — an - other 50 years of operations. There’s
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Many contractors have employees embedded at TAPS facilities, cre - ating steady jobs across the state, which allows Alaskans to keep roots in their hometowns and regions. TAPS doesn’t just support individual companies, it anchors a statewide network of jobs, services and small businesses. How is technology improving pipeline efficiency and environmental protection? Safety, environmental stewardship and reliability remain core values for Alyeska, and technology strengthens those commitments every day. For safety, our management system streamlines complex work, enhances accountability and brings data-driven decision-making into daily operations so teams can identify risks earlier and work safer and more efficiently. Across TAPS, modern tools and upgraded systems support safer,
more reliable operations. Linewide inspection technologies, digital field documentation and enhanced mon - itoring help us better understand pipeline conditions and respond pro - actively to corrosion, ground move - ment and changing permafrost. At our facilities, modernization projects like upgraded vapor man - agement and fuel-burning systems at the Valdez Marine Terminal are reducing emissions, lowering fuel use and improving the reliability of aging infrastructure. Beyond modernization, we also recognize that the best stewardship and safest working conditions can mean responsible asset retirement, from the demolition of a retired pump station to removal of infra - structure that poses safety and envi - ronmental concerns. Collectively, these improvements reduce environmental impacts and improve long-term performance.
Alaska, the majority going to Alaskans, with average pay far above the state - wide average (Source: AOGA Economic Impact Report, 2025). Those dollars flow directly into families, local busi - nesses, real estate and communities. Add in those thousands of con - tractors and support-service jobs tied to oil activity and you see how deeply oil revenue supports career pathways across the state. What role does pipeline activity play in supporting small businesses, contractors and other energy support industries? Pipeline activity powers one of Alaska’s most important business ecosystems. Alyeska and the broader oil and gas industry spend billions each year with Alaska companies, supporting everything from con - struction and engineering to IT, security, logistics and spill response.
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THE LINK: The Official Magazine of the Alaska Support Industry Alliance | SPRING 2026
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