00Enrolled HCR 10                                                                                                         
01 Supporting the development of the Kensington Gold Mine.                                                                 
02                                         _______________                                                                 
03 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                             
04      WHEREAS the state has abundant natural resources, particularly mineral resources;                                
05 and                                                                                                                     
06      WHEREAS the state seeks to develop these minerals in an environmentally                                          
07 responsible manner that will benefit all of its residents; and                                                          
08      WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., has proposed to develop the Kensington Gold Mine                                     
09 north of Juneau, investing over $150,000,000 since 1989; and                                                            
10      WHEREAS the Kensington Gold Mine would create over 300 construction jobs and                                     
11 long-term, year-round operations jobs with $16,000,000 in annual benefits and payroll,                                  
12 diversifying the economy in Southeast Alaska while protecting the environment; and                                      
13      WHEREAS the United States Forest Service has completed an exhaustive                                             
14 environmental impact analysis and favorable Record of Decision, based on over 900                                       
15 environmental and engineering studies and a related spending commitment by Coeur Alaska,                                
16 Inc., of approximately $25,000,000; and                                                                                 
17      WHEREAS the United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters and Southeast Alaska                                             

01 Fisherman's Alliance have expressed written support for the Kensington Gold Mine; and                                   
02      WHEREAS the Kensington Gold Mine has also demonstrated a commitment to local                                     
03 employment, training, Alaska and Native hire, and purchases; and                                                        
04      WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., has demonstrated an exemplary environmental track                                    
05 record in the state and has demonstrated that it is a responsible environmental steward for all                         
06 its domestic and international mining projects; and                                                                     
07      WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., intends to commence a summer 2005 construction                                       
08 startup, following receipt of the remaining federal and state permits;                                                  
09      BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims its strong support for                                
10 this environmentally responsible mining project, and encourages all federal and state agencies                          
11 to proceed and complete thorough and timely permitting reviews and issue the necessary                                  
12 permits in order that a summer 2005 construction schedule can be achieved and that 2006                                 
13 gold production with associated economic and employment benefits can be realized to benefit                             
14 the people of Southeast Alaska and the state as a whole.