To commemorate the life of Alaska’s longest-serving congressman, Gov. Mike Dunleavy introduced legislation to rename the Fairbanks International Airport the “Don Young Fairbanks International Airport.”
HB 288 (SB 202) honors Young’s lifetime of service to the State of Alaska and advocacy for the construction, maintenance, and safety of the state’s transportation infrastructure, the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
“Don Young’s passing may have marked the end of an era, but his impact will resonate for generations to come,” Dunleavy said in a statement. “The renaming of the Fairbanks International Airport is a fitting tribute to a man who championed the importance of Alaska’s transportation infrastructure and who’s advocacy is benefiting Alaskans and visitors every day.”
Don Young advanced transportation development while serving in both chambers of the Alaska State Legislature and throughout his tenure as the longest-serving Republican congressman in the nation’s history.
As a legislator, Young championed legislation to modernize Alaska’s air commerce system and require that aircraft be outfitted with radio beacon devices for emergency rescue.
In Congress, Young served as chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and sponsored numerous bills to reshape infrastructure and safety requirements.
The Anchorage Assembly recently named the Port of Alaska after Don Young, at the request of Mayor Dave Bronson.
