SB 99 – Authorizing AIDEA Financing for the Bokan-Dotson Ridge and Niblack Projects

March 31, 2014

Senator Lesil McGuire
Senator Bert Stedman
Representative Peggy Wilson

Honorable Legislators:

It is with enthusiasm that we write this letter to express the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce’s support for SB 99 as amended to include Sections 5 and 6 authorizing the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to issue bonds to finance the infrastructure and construction costs of the Bokan-Dotson Ridge rare earth element project and the Niblack project.

The development of these mineral resources will have a significant positive impact on the economies of Ketchikan, Prince of Wales Island, and surrounding population centers through the creation of secure, high-paying jobs and increased demand in both the industrial support and logistics and service sectors of the economy in southern Southeast Alaska. For these reasons, the Chamber stands strong in its support for this legislation and the potential it creates for AIDEA to encourage these projects’ development through financial assistance.

We, along with the Chamber’s Board of Directors, fully support the efforts of the legislature to promote responsible resource development for Alaskans through the advancement of SB 99 and its provision that the Bokan-Dotson Ridge rare earth element project and the Niblack project qualify for AIDEA support.

Sincerely,

Chelsea J. Goucher                                          Nancy Christian
Executive Director                                            President of the Board

Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
O: (907) 225-3184
C: (907) 220-2133
E: chelsea@ketchikanchamber.com

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