RDC Letter:
Support of HB 99 - Extension of the Alaska Minerals Commission

February 7, 2013

The Honorable Eric Feige, Co-Chair
The Honorable Dan Saddler, Co-Chair
House Resources Committee
State Capitol Room 124
Juneau, AK 99801

Re: Support of HB 99, an act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission

Dear Representative Feige and Representative Saddler:

The Resource Development Council for Alaska (RDC) is writing to support HB 99, an act extending the termination date of the Alaska Minerals Commission (Commission) to 2024.

RDC is a statewide, non-profit, membership-funded organization founded in 1975. The RDC membership is comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s oil and gas, mining, timber, tourism, and fisheries industries, as well as Alaska Native corporations, local communities, organized labor, and industry support firms. RDC’s purpose is to link these diverse interests together to encourage a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources.

Historically, the mining industry has been a cornerstone of Alaska’s economy. Many roads, docks and other infrastructure throughout Alaska were originally constructed to serve the mining industry. RDC believes the Commission provides a necessary voice on issues, as well as providing recommendations for the betterment of the State of Alaska’s mineral industry.

This appointed group makes recommendations to the legislature and the governor in an effort to promote Alaska’s minerals and mineral exploration and development industry. The Commission continues to be an effective means of ensuring policy makers have the benefit of the collective input of lead practitioners in the industry.

This mining industry, consisting of exploration, development, and production, in Alaska provides for 9,000 direct and indirect jobs with a payroll of $620 million. These are some of Alaska’s highest paying jobs with an average annual wage of $100,000, significantly higher than the state average for all sectors of the economy. As the commission continues to effectively make recommendations in support of this important industry, it should be allowed to continue to do this work for the benefit of Alaskans.

RDC urges you to move HB 99 out of House Resources in a timely manner. Thank you for your consideration of these comments.

Sincerely,
Resource Development Council for Alaska