lthough located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Port MacKenzie is only two miles from Anchorage, as the crow flies. Our readers can see that for themselves in the beautiful opening photo of the article “A New Ballgame” by Rindi White, which takes a look at the buildup of capabilities and activities at Port MacKenzie. The photo, taken by the incredible Kerry Tasker, shows the downtown Anchorage skyline, recognizable but just askew from the well documented and iconic view often photographed from Point Woronzof.

Port MacKenzie is undergoing a transition, evolving from being a viable alternative into, in certain circumstances, a port of preference.

For decades, the Don Young Port of Alaska has dominated the import of marine cargo into the state, in large part because, following the 1964 Good Friday Earthquake, it was believed that Anchorage was invulnerable to tsunamis like those that wrecked other Alaska ports. While we know today a tsunami at the Port of Alaska is possible, it remains unlikely.

Just across the inlet, Port MacKenzie of course shares this advantage. But from there, the advantages and disadvantages of Port MacKenzie differ from the Port of Alaska, to everyone’s benefit. The growth of Port MacKenzie improves and increases transportation and logistics options in Cook Inlet, allowing shippers moving goods and services to choose the best facility for their needs.

The development of Port MacKenzie will not shift the course of an entire industry; instead it broadens the channel in which that industry can operate.

It is, to me, a specific example of what Alaska needs more broadly. Many times Alaskans are drawn to what has worked in the past, which is no surprise considering how many of the state’s projects have altered its economy and communities in incalculable ways. Discarding the success of the yesteryear would be shortsighted.

But sometimes we have blinders on to even minor adjustments that could diversify economic activity and strengthen the economic environment for individuals and businesses alike. For instance, Alaska does not need to abandon oil to pursue solar; we do not need to stop mining to safeguard our fish; we do not need to suspend logging to maintain a robust tourism season. Nor should we pursue oil, mining, or logging to the detriment of other viable projects and industries.

Alaska cannot set anchor and expect to ride out the storm. The only way forward is to move. And while course corrections can carry risk, they can also prevent a ship from running aground.