"Make it Monday" forum - 40 Years Fueling the 49th State

The Trans Alaska Pipeline System marked its 40th anniversary of operations on June 20. At 800 miles in length, TAPS is one of the world's largest pipeline systems, an engineering icon that was the biggest privately funded construction project when built in the 1970s.

TAPS remains a living testament to the powerful Alaska spirit that has written our state's history and is fueling Alaska's future.

Since pipeline startup in 1977, Alyeska Pipeline - TAPS' operator - has successfully transported more than 17.5 billion barrels of oil and loaded nearly 22,000 tankers at the Valdez Marine Terminal.

Alyeska president Tom Barrett will talk TAPS history and spotlight work that will sustain the system into the future, as well as share ongoing challenges and illustrate TAPS’ economic impact Alaska.

Admiral Tom Barrett, USCG (ret.) became the President of Alyeska Pipeline Service Company on January 1, 2011.

Barrett previously served as Deputy Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation and the first Administrator of the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), directing the agency's national safety programs for hazardous materials and liquid, natural gas, petroleum, and other hazardous liquid pipelines. Prior to that, he served 35 years in the United States Coast Guard and attained the position of Vice Commandant, the number two position in the Coast Guard. He commanded Coast Guard operations in Alaska and the North Pacific from 1999 to 2002, emphasizing safety and environmental protection. Other Alaska tours included Kodiak and Juneau. He and his wife have lived in Alaska for 19 years.

Barrett earned a B.S. in Biology from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, N.Y., and a Juris Doctor with honors from the George Washington University. He is a Vietnam veteran. His wife Sheila is a former kindergarten teacher who taught in Kodiak and Juneau, as well as other states. They have 4 children.

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