September 6, 2011
Lonnie McKechnie, Borough Clerk
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
350 E Dahlia Avenue
Palmer, AK 99645
Dear Mr. McKechnie:
The Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc. (RDC) is writing to express its support for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Resolution serial no. 11-112 in support of Usibelli Coal Mine’s Wishbone Hill Project.
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.
Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., is currently in the process of renewing permits for the Wishbone Hill Project through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR employs a thorough permitting process, which requires renewal every five years. This process upholds regulations governing air and water quality, reclamation standards to restore the land to its original condition or better, fish and aquatic resources monitoring, wildlife protection plans, and more.
In addition to being fully permitted and environmentally sound, the Wishbone Hill Project will help diversify the economy in the Borough and bring new jobs to the Sutton area, estimated at between 75-125 high-paying jobs located close to area residents. Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc. is an Alaska-owned and operated company with an impeccable record of operating environmentally-sound projects and has received awards for reclamation efforts in the Healy area. Therefore, RDC wholeheartedly urges the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to pass this resolution in support of the Wishbone Hill project.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide a comment letter in support of resolution No. 11-112.
Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska, Inc.
