RDC Comment Letter:
JPARC Modernization and Enhancement EIS

March 3, 2011

ALCOM Public Affairs
9480 Pease Avenue, Suite 120
JBER, AK 99506

Re: JPARC Modernization and Enhancement EIS

To Whom It May Concern:

The Resource Development Council (RDC) is writing in response to the request for comments and information for the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex (JPARC) Modernization and Enhancement Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

RDC is a statewide business association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, forest products, tourism and fisheries industries. RDC’s membership includes Alaska Native Corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

RDC recognizes the importance of military training and protection of our great nation and appreciates the significant role the military plays in Alaska’s economy. RDC is concerned that sufficient economic impact studies may not have been conducted prior to the release of the JPARC Modernization and Enhancement EIS. The direct impacts to resource development projects in the proposed areas of inclusion could be significant and therefore could negatively impact Alaska’s natural resource-based economy.

RDC encourages the JPARC Modernization and Enhancement EIS to revisit the proposal and to work with the Alaska Miners Association and other stakeholders (such as tourism) to develop an EIS that achieves maximum benefit for resource industries, public access, and military training needs.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.