Support for Issuance of APDES Permit to the Niblack Project

Support for Issuance of APDES Permit to the Niblack Project

March 31, 2015

Ms. Renee Evans
Engineering Associate
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation
555 Cordova Street
Anchorage, AK  99501

RE: Proposed Niblack Project Discharge Permit (Permit Number AK0053708)

I write this letter to express the Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce’s support for issuance of the proposed Alaska Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Individual Permit to Discharge to Waters of the United States to the Niblack Project by the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).

Our Chamber works hard to promote economic diversity, regional growth, a climate that is good for business, a lifestyle that attracts year-round residents, and a stable, productive workforce. We strongly believe that the future of southern Southeast Alaska’s economy depends upon responsible development of our natural resources; mineral resources are no exception. Development of the Niblack Project will not only bolster our regional economy through growth in the mining, industrial support, construction, logistics, and service sectors, but it will create jobs that provide real, long-lasting opportunity to young Alaskans.  For these reasons, the Chamber stands in support of this project and applauds the issuance of this type of permit as sign of responsible progress.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the Niblack Project’s proposed discharge permit. Your attention to this matter is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Goucher, Executive Director
Greater Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce
P: (907) 225-3184
C: (907) 220-2133
E: chelsea@ketchikanchamber.com