2 Volumes Final Proceedings - Washington 1984.pdf - IARC Research

5about his budget for maintenance. Or, just drivedown any one of our roads a year after it has beenconstructed and you will see that this is an excellentlaboratory for gathering information onsome of the permafrost problem which are faced byurban centers.As a practical matter, our community is interestedIn promoting research with which you areinvolved. We are glad to have you observe thetypical permafrost features of this area, becausewe are searching for solutions to the problemsthat they cause. That was obvious to me on my wayhere this morning. I live out on Farmer's LoopRoad; I hit a permafrost bump that was not there aweek ago, and I almost broke my neck. I hope thatyou will do something about those types of things,and help us with our problems in that area. Withsituations like this all around us, it is easy tosee that the people of Alaska are interested inthe research that you are doing. I support usinglocal government resources in finding answers thatare essential if we are to understand and live inharmony with the permafrost that permeates our existencein so many obvious ways. And as a localgovernment representative, I will work to encouragethose at the state, national and internationallevels to make the necessary financial and moralcommitments to help you find answers to the questionsthat you will be addressing this week. Theyare questions that impact the people who live inthis region of the Borough and who must continuallycope with the idiosyncrasies of permafrost.We have been anxiously watching the progressthrough the United States Congress of the ArcticResearch Policy Bill, which is sponsored by ourSenators Stevens and Murkowski. This conferencehelps reinforce the needs which legislation fulfillsfor the development in the United States ofa national policy on arctic research. We are oneof the few nations with territories in the Northwhich is still without such a policy. I am excitedabout the potential positive impact as a resultof the passage of this legislation. Not only willthe proposed legislation establish a national arcticpolicy, it will simultaneously provide for aclearing house to facilitate better coordinationand reduce duplication in research. It also proposes$25 million annually in research funds.This focused effort is essential if the UnitedStates accepts its role in the responsibilities asa partner nation of arctic communities.The U.S. should provide specific support forbasic research, which is essential in the developmentand preservation of community environments inthis region. Unique problem pose interestingchallenges to those who wish to live, work, orplay in this part of the world. The true potentialof our community, our state, and all regionsof the Arctic and Subarctic cannot be reached untilour leaders recognize the importance of thetype of work which this conference most aptly represents.We mst all do what we can to promotethe education of those who will be making thosedecisions which have an impact on the course ofarctic research.In closing, let me thank you again for thecontributions you have made in permafrost research,which have helped many people of the worldto cope with the environment they live in. We areglad you have come to our community. We look forwardto the conference and papers which will beoffered this week and to supporting your effortsin the future. Thank you.Dr. PLw6, I have a Proclamation, if I cotiidtake a minute to read it [see next pegel.TROY L. Pgd - Thank you, Mr. Allen, for the invitationto inspect your permafrost. I am sure thatin the next few days we will be examining exposuresof frozen ground here and the effects offrozen ground on life in the North.In this opening session, it is our privilegeto have soue information presented on the natureof the latest research and related activities goingon in the countries of the world, especiallyin the major areas where permafrost is being studied.First, I would like to call on AcademicianMelnikov, who has long been the leading figure inthe study of perennially frozen ground in the USSRand the chief delegate of the USSR to all the InternationalPermafrost Conferences. He was hostfor the Second Conference in Yakutsk in 1973.Academician Melnikov.P.I. MELNIKOV - Respected colleagues: On behalfof the Soviet delegation, I would like to greetall the participants of this outstanding geocryologicalforum who have assemblediHete in the wondrousState of Alaska to bear witness to the