Legislature(2007 - 2008)CAPITOL 106
04/24/2007 05:15 PM House ECONOMIC DEV., TRADE, AND TOURISM
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| Presentation: the Economics of Sport Fishing | |
| Presentation: Agrium's Economic Impact on the Kenai | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, INTERNATIONAL
TRADE AND TOURISM
April 24, 2007
5:19 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Mark Neuman, Chair
Representative Kyle Johansen
Representative Bob Lynn
Representative Andrea Doll
Representative Mike Doogan
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Carl Gatto
Representative Vic Kohring
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: The Economics of Sport Fishing
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: Agrium's Economic Impact on the Kenai
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
RICKY GEASE, Executive Director
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the presentation by the Kenai
River Sportfishing Association.
BRUCE KNOWLES
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
GREG SUTTER, Owner
Captain Greg's Charters
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
BOB HOWARD, Owner
Sea Nymph Charters;
Chair, Board of Directors
Homer Economic Development Commission
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking on his own behalf, testified
during the hearing on the Economics of Sport Fishing.
CHARLES PEARMAN, Owner
Pristine Charters
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
RON WILSON, Owner
Ron's Riverboat Service and Susitna Landing;
Member, Board of Directors
Mat-Su Convention and Visitor's Bureau
Willow, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
ROBERT MEALS, General Manager
Tri River Charters
Talkeetna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
BILL MACKAY, Member
Board of Directors
Kenai River Sportfishing Association;
Senior Vice-President
Alaska Airlines
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
RON RAINEY, Member
Board of Directors
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Speaking as an individual, testified during
the hearing on the Economics of Sport Fishing.
RIK BUCY, Chair
Board of Directors
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
BOB PENNY, Member
Board of Directors
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on the
Economics of Sport Fishing.
LISA PARKER, Manager
Government & Public Relations
Agrium U.S. Inc.
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided the presentation on Agrium U.S.
Inc.
CHRIS J. SONNICHSEN, Director
Alaska Operations
Agrium U. S. Inc.
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered a question during the presentation
on Agrium U.S. Inc.
ACTION NARRATIVE
CHAIR MARK NEUMAN called the House Special Committee on Economic
Development, International Trade and Tourism meeting to order at
5:19:54 PM. Representatives Lynn, Doogan, Doll, and Neuman were
present at the call to order. Representative Johansen arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
^PRESENTATION: THE ECONOMICS OF SPORT FISHING
5:21:00 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN announced that the first order of business would be
a presentation by the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.
5:21:02 PM
RICKY GEASE, Executive Director, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association (KRSA), informed the committee that KRSA is a
nonprofit fishery conservation organization located on the Kenai
Peninsula, and is dedicated to keeping the Kenai River one of
the world's foremost sport fishing rivers. Mr. Gease said that
sportfishing in Alaska is a billion dollar industry and $650
million is earned in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. In addition,
sport fishing provides 11,000 jobs statewide with a payroll of
$250 million. Mr. Gease said that one of the main points of his
presentation today is to emphasize that up-to-date and
comprehensive studies of the economic impact of this industry
are needed.
5:23:02 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked whether ice fishing was included in the total
value of sportfishing.
MR. GEASE answered yes. He continued his presentation by saying
that sportsmen pay for conservation in Alaska by purchasing
licenses and paying taxes that fund facility bonds. Total
revenue to the state for fishing licenses was $13 million in
1993 and $21 million in 2006. Taxes on outdoor equipment for
angling generate $16 million to pay for fishery conservation
efforts in Alaska. Anglers are ardent conservationists and
spend time and energy to introduce children and others to the
enjoyment of the outdoors. Mr. Gease explained that public
access and allocation for anglers is critical to support the
recreational economy, as is the basic infrastructure of
boardwalks, trails, and boat launches. He pointed out that
anglers are losing access to rivers by the closure of private
boat launches.
5:27:27 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked about current legislation that provides for
public access to rivers, streams, and banks.
5:27:51 PM
MR. GEASE indicated that the KRSA supports the legislation that
would require the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) to prioritize river
systems that need public access, and to purchase and maintain
easements from private property owners. He explained that it is
important for legislators and fishery managers to be aware of
the size and importance of sport fishing to the recreational
economy and the quality of life for citizens. Fishing supports
tourism and provides recreation and food for residents; however,
without comprehensive economic data the central role of sport
angling will be underestimated in public policy decisions.
5:30:29 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN asked whether the state's 1993 study has
been updated.
MR. GEASE answered no.
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN further asked whether insufficient funding
is the cause of the lack of research.
5:31:35 PM
MR. GEASE replied that the systematic economic analysis of the
data collected is needed. The number of visitors and licenses
sold can be modeled to determine their economic value. Some
studies are in progress by the ADF&G, the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the University of Alaska,
Anchorage, Institute of Social and Economic Research, (ISER).
Further research is needed to collect data on both sport fishing
and commercial fishing.
5:33:09 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked how the value of the sport fishing
industry was determined without comprehensive economic data.
MR. GEASE answered that information from the 2001 study was
adjusted for inflation.
5:34:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN observed that, based on the increase in
tourism in Ketchikan, the $1 billion estimate may be low.
5:34:36 PM
MR. GEASE affirmed that this is an issue that concerns the KRSA.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) needs
information on the recent growth of the industry to properly
determine fish allocations.
5:34:54 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN noted that KRSA is providing information
primarily from Southcentral Alaska.
MR. GEASE confirmed that the information is from the upper Cook
Inlet. He continued to say that a lack of information leads to
un-informed public policy and that the central role of
sportfishing will not be given proper weight in public policy
decisions. Mr. Gease pointed out that the growing Alaska
retirement community now contributes over $2 billion annually to
the state's economy and retirees want access to fish and game.
Mr. Gease concluded by saying that more economic information and
representation on regulatory boards and commissions will bring a
balance and fairness to decisions.
5:37:37 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN opened the hearing for public testimony.
BRUCE KNOWLES, speaking as an individual, informed the committee
that Cook Inlet provides three percent of the annual statewide
sockeye harvest. Yet, this run controls the livelihood of Cook
Inlet. Mr. Knowles explained that fish move through inlet, and
the catch includes all types of fish. The ADF&G can not make an
accurate forecast in a timely manner. He expressed his hope
that a new genetic study will publish results by late summer or
early fall. It must be determined when the sockeye are coming
north through the central district. The northern district will
be below escapement goals for sockeye this year. In fact, the
northern district is suffering from the forecasted low returns
of sockeye and anglers are fishing for other species. Mr.
Knowles said that there has not been a study of value in upper
Cook Inlet for chum or pink salmon. A viable study is needed.
He continued to say that the sport fishing industry in the
northern district relies on the hatcheries, but the hatcheries
will have to stop putting fish in due to delays in construction.
Mr. Knowles opined that the average Alaskan is called a sport
fisherman, but really is a consumption user.
5:43:16 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked why the hatcheries are behind schedule with
the stocking of fish.
5:43:28 PM
MR. KNOWLES responded that there is a shortage of appropriate
water and land available.
5:44:13 PM
GREG SUTTER, owner of Captain Greg's Charters, informed the
committee that the available economic studies on tourism and the
sportfishing industry are outdated. Because the sport fishing
industry attracts visitors to the state, it is related to
tourism, and is also a safe industry based on renewable
resources. Mr. Sutter noted that Alaska has five major
industries; oil, minerals, tourism, timber, and commercial
fishing. He stressed the need to update the data of sport
fishing's economic impact on the state as fishery managers
restrict and levy moratoriums on fishing. Mr. Sutter explained
that encouraging tourism helps the local and state economy. He
further explained that 50 percent of the growth from his
sportfishing business is invested in the local economy. Mr.
Sutter urged members to support a comprehensive study of
Alaska's fishing industry.
5:48:59 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN expressed his intention for the committee to review
sport and commercial fishing quotas.
5:49:48 PM
BOB HOWARD, owner, Sea Nymph Charters; chair, board of
Directors, Homer Economic Development Commission, informed the
committee that he is testifying as a concerned citizen. Mr.
Howard said that his interest is in seeing that Homer has a
strong economy that will improve the standard of living for its
residents. Sport fishing is an important economic element in
Homer. Homer operates an enhanced salmon fishery and supports a
salt water fleet of 120 vessels. The fleet provides an
estimated $9 to $10 million to the charter businesses and
additional millions to the local economy for support services.
Mr. Howard expressed his belief that sport fishing is a reliable
and sustainable component of Homer's tourism economy. He
stressed the need to increase the allocation of sustainable fish
stocks for sport fishing and to ensure access. Mr. Howard
concluded by saying that comprehensive economic analysis is
necessary to understand how to best utilize this natural
resource.
5:52:36 PM
CHARLES PEARMAN, owner, Pristine Charters, stated that
discussions of allocations between commercial and sport fishing
in Southeast and Southcentral continue without sufficient data
on the economic impacts on the communities. He noted that
Kodiak has experienced closures of processing plants due to
shorter processing seasons and community fish tax revenues are
declining. Mr. Pearman said that recreational fishing and
tourism are the only areas of growth in the private sector in
Kodiak. Extensive economic data is needed to make sound
decisions. He concluded by saying that Kodiak is a small and
remote part of the statewide fishery and economic analysis is
critical so that sound allocation decisions can take into
consideration the impact of closures to the community.
5:56:12 PM
RON WILSON, owner of Ron's Riverboat Service and Susitna
Landing, stated that he is also on the board of directors of the
Mat-Su Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Mr. Wilson informed the
committee that sport fishing generates a large volume of
business for the tourism industry in his community. He said
that his clientele is 70 percent Alaskans and that tourism is
growing at 7 percent to 8 percent per year. Mr. Wilson added
that sport fishing is also very important to the consumptive
user.
5:59:04 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked about the effect of the sockeye fishery
closure.
5:59:31 PM
MR. WILSON responded that customers want to catch red salmon.
However, escapement goals are lowered each year but have never
been met in his community. He stated that fish are intercepted
by drift and set netters during the commercial openings. He
concluded by saying that there is a need for a commercial fleet
and the fishery study will indicate the source and status of the
fish.
6:02:08 PM
ROBERT MEALS, General Manager, Tri River Charters, stated that
he has been in the sport fishing business for 25 years in
Talkeetna. Mr. Meals said that in the last ten years business
in Talkeetna has changed from servicing Alaska residents to
providing charters for out-of-state tourists. Two tourism
companies have built large lodges and are bringing in tourists
from all over the world. His business provides income to the
fishing guides and is completely dependent on the availability
of fish. Mr. Meals pointed out that in the fall, fisherman are
limited to two sockeye salmon that have a value to his business
of $75 per fish. He added that 90 percent of his clients catch
and release and have no impact on the resource. Mr. Meals
expressed his belief that the allocation of the resource is out
of balance and that fishery management needs to look at the
overall economic impact. His community should be able to meet
its yearly escapement goals. He concluded by saying that Cook
Inlet needs to get a higher sport fish priority and the last
users should never be shut off from the supply of fish because
tourism is the most valuable use of the resource.
6:07:52 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN invited testimony from the audience.
BILL MACKAY, member, board of directors, Kenai River
Sportfishing Association; senior vice-president, Alaska
Airlines, stated that Alaska Airlines serves 20 cities in
Alaska, all of which support one sport fishery or another.
Thousands of anglers from around the world and around the state
travel to the sport fishing centers. Mr. MacKay stressed that
sport fishing is an important and viable industry that supports
aviation and other industries throughout the state. He
supported documentation of the impact that sport fishing has on
the economics of Alaskan communities.
6:10:15 PM
RON RAINEY, member, board of directors, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association, informed the committee that he is a 25 year
resident of Alaska and is testifying as an individual. Mr.
Rainey stated that his last job was running a fishing lodge on
the Kenai River. He opined that the Kenai Peninsula is becoming
a retirement community. Retirees provide a tax base for the
community with no impact on schools. He stressed that the
allocation of fish is important to encourage retirees to stay in
Alaska. Mr. Rainey said that it is also very important to
maintain balanced representation on the fisheries boards and
commissions.
6:12:37 PM
RIK BUCY, Board Chair, Kenai River Sportfishing Association,
stated that he operates a large scale retail business, employing
between 200 and 260 workers, since 1984. Mr. Bucy said that his
business is most profitable during the summer months because of
sport fishing. When the fishery is closed, he must lay-off
employees. Mr. Bucy confirmed that the tax base on land along
the Kenai River has increased dramatically due, in part, to
retirees who are staying in Alaska because of the fishing
opportunities.
6:14:52 PM
BOB PENNY, member, board of directors, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association, informed the committee that the single most
important act to affect tourism and economic development is to
increase the amount of fish available in Cook Inlet. He stated
that Cook Inlet is only allowed 15 percent of the harvest and
the commercial take is 85 percent. He opined that fisheries
management in Southcentral should be changed to give the
priority to the public for personal use. Mr. Penny stated that
surplus fish, after personal and tourism use, should be made
available for commercial harvest.
6:18:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN recalled that 1989 was his best fishing
year due to the closed commercial fishery.
6:18:55 PM
MR. PENNY added that, in 2004, the assessed value of private
land on the Kenai River was $335 million dollars due to the fish
in the river.
6:19:50 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN challenged committee members to talk with the sport
fishing industry.
6:21:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOLL asked whether the sport fishing industry
utilizes a trade association for advertising.
6:21:46 PM
MR. GEASE responded that the majority of marketing is done
through the internet and through the cruise lines. In addition
to the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA), local
convention and visitor's boroughs, and chambers of commerce,
sport fishing services advertise through direct marketing.
Sport fishing charters and lodges also benefit from the
advantage of repeat Alaskan, and out-of-state, customers.
6:24:02 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOLL further asked for a typical percentage of
advertising costs for a small sport fishing charter business.
6:24:23 PM
MR. GEASE replied that the advertising costs are dependent on
many variables.
6:24:43 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOLL asked for the cost of joining ATIA.
6:24:54 PM
MR. GEASE answered that the ATIA provides consistent statewide
advertising. Enrollment is voluntary, and different
organizations have different enrollment levels.
6:25:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOLL noted that one sport fishing business
reported the majority of his clientele is from Alaska.
6:26:16 PM
MR. GEASE affirmed that sport fishing serves locals who choose
to live, work, and retire in Alaska.
6:26:42 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked whether commercial or sport fishing
brings in the most money to Alaska.
6:27:57 PM
MR. GEASE replied that in Cook Inlet sport fish return is ten
times over the commercial catch. He recalled that the ex-vessel
value of 20,000 king salmon caught in the commercial fishery in
the set-nets generates about $500,000 of economic activity. Mr.
Gease stated that the introduction of farmed fish can support
the economics of the commercial industry. The commercial
industry's focus on the quantity, not quality, of fish is in the
process of reorientation so both industries can begin to produce
a quality product. Mr. Gease concluded by saying that the
rivers must have meaningful and predictable pulses of fish.
6:31:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN requested written information on the
Cook Inlet sport and commercial fishing industries. He stated
that the commercial fleet has recognized the need to increase
the quality of the fish catch. Representative Johansen noted
that the fishing industries in Southeast work together.
6:32:50 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN noted that Southeast maintains a large commercial
and sport fishing industry.
6:33:45 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN clarified that the issue is to balance both
sport and commercial industries.
6:34:09 PM
MR. GEASE assured the committee that the KRSA will provide
comprehensive information on the upper Cook Inlet fishing
industry.
6:34:47 PM
MR. PENNY stated that, 20 years ago, three regional studies by
Jones & Stokes Associates, Inc. consulting firm revealed that
the economic value of sport caught fish is 14 to 18 times the
value of commercially caught fish. He added that the Cook Inlet
fishery provides three percent of the statewide commercial
harvest and sixty-five percent of the public fishery.
6:36:15 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked for the source of the report.
MR. GEASE responded that the KRSA compiled the data but did not
create or collect the economic data. He noted that much of the
data is out-dated.
6:37:48 PM
The committee took an at-ease from 6:37 p.m. to 6:40 p.m.
CHAIR NEUMAN announced that the final order of business would be
a presentation by Agrium U.S. Inc.
6:40:44 PM
^PRESENTATION: AGRIUM'S ECONOMIC IMPACT ON THE KENAI
6:42:43 PM
LISA PARKER, manager, Government & Public Relations, Agrium U.S.
Inc., informed the committee that the information she is
presenting is a "forward-looking statement". Ms Parker said
that Agrium has been in business since 1931 as a subsidiary of
Cominco Ltd. Fertilizers. Agrium today is a compilation of
companies and is publicly traded company on the Toronto and New
York Stock Exchanges. Ms. Parker continued to explain that
Agrium reaches throughout the value chain and 2006 sales were
$4.3 billion. Agrium maintains a diverse portfolio, with 50
percent of the profits from the nitrogen industry from
international and North American markets.
6:44:39 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked whether border crossings into Canada are a
problem for Agrium.
6:44:55 PM
MS. PARKER responded that since [the terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001] there is more security for truck and rail
transportation. She continued to say that Agrium is the largest
North American agricultural retailer in the U. S., and maintains
400 retail facilities. In addition, Agrium is a leader in
advanced technologies and holds a patent for ESN, a controlled-
release environmentally friendly product for commodity crops.
MS. PARKER assured the committee that Agrium is committed to
Alaska and will try to continue to operate the facility in
Kenai. The Kenai complex is valued at $1 billion and is the
fourth largest private employer on the Kenai Peninsula. The
Agrium plant is a large economic engine in Southcentral Alaska
and for every thousand cubic foot (Mcf) of natural gas used the
plant generates $9.35 in economic value. The Kenai complex pays
the competitive market price for natural gas but is operating
today at 50 percent of plant capacity, due to the supply
shortage of natural gas. Presently, Agrium is negotiating for
natural gas contracts beyond 2007, to keep the plant
operational. The plant is forecasted to consume about 14 to
14.5 billion cubic feet (Bcf) of natural gas in 2007.
6:50:42 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked whether Ms. Parker would comment on Alaska's
exportation of natural gas when Agrium needs 53 Bcf to operate
at full capacity.
6:51:56 PM
MS. PARKER responded that the liquefied natural gas (LNG) is
exported to Japan by approval of a license from the U. S.
Department of Energy. The license will expire in 2009, and an
extension of the license, to 2011, has been requested.
6:52:24 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN asked for further information regarding the export
of LNG.
6:52:43 PM
CHRIS J. SONNICHSEN, Director, Alaska Operations, Agrium U. S.
Inc., informed the committee that the state endorsed the
extension of the export license with conditions. The U. S.
Department of Energy, Department of Fossil Energy, is the
authority that will review the extension of the license. He
said that Agrium is negotiating with all of the natural gas
producers and will pay competitive rates.
6:55:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE LYNN asked whether there is a difference between
the past and current state administrations.
6:55:45 PM
MS. PARKER replied that the previous administration was focused
on encouraging exploration in Cook Inlet and the current
administration is presently gathering data.
6:56:36 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN expressed his understanding that there is
a market to support operating the plant at peak capacity but an
insufficient supply of natural gas feedstock.
6:57:03 PM
MS. PARKER answered yes, and continued her presentation. The
Agrium plant can produce sufficient product to supply in-state
markets for ammonia and urea, and exports grossed $160 million
in 2006. She pointed out that Agrium was the state's third
largest exporter, even while operating at 50 percent capacity.
Ms. Parker stressed that Agrium wants to continue production in
Alaska at the Kenai plant but it must close the facility later
this year without additional supplies of natural gas.
Therefore, it has begun the development of a gasification
project that will capitalize on the long-term supply of low cost
coal. The project will bring Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., coal
from Healy by rail and barge to Nikiski. The coal will generate
power and will be processed through a gasifier that will derive
nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide (CO2) for the production
of ammonia and urea. Excess CO2 will be used for enhanced oil
recovery. Ms. Parker stated that the power plant is needed to
produce 120 megawatts of electricity to support the expanded
facility. Homer Electric Association Inc. (HEA) is taking the
lead on the power project that will also produce excess power
for the community. The project was begun in October of 2004,
and the feasibility study is completed. Phase Two is front-end
engineering design and permitting; Phase Three is detailed
engineering and final permitting; Phase Four is construction and
the start-up scheduled for 2009.
7:04:19 PM
MS. PARKER explained that the Phase One feasibility study
included work with Usibelli Coal Mine, Inc., to examine design
and permitting possibilities. The U. S. Department of Energy
has determined that the project is feasible. She said that the
partnership with HEA, and final engineering and permitting
studies are in progress. In addition, the Usibelli Coal Mine
has verified that it can supply the three million tons of coal
needed each year. Finally, environmental permitting and
financing arrangements are underway. In fact, HB 229 will
provide authority for the Alaska Railroad Corporation to seek
tax-free bonds to finance the project.
7:06:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE DOOGAN observed that the advantage of the Alaska
Railroad Corporation bonds is low cost financing, but the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may refuse permission to issue
tax-exempt bonds. He asked whether the project can proceed with
alternative financing.
7:07:26 PM
MS. PARKER answered yes. The gasification project will use
other financing, if necessary.
7:07:47 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN recalled that the Alaska Railroad Corporation has
set precedence for issuing bonds for projects that are important
to the welfare of the state.
7:08:24 PM
MS. PARKER pointed out that the coal gasification project is
estimated to begin production in 2011, or 2012. In the interim,
Agrium will need a source of natural gas to keep the plant
operational up to the conversion to coal. She concluded by
saying that Agrium will decide in July about the future of the
gasification conversion.
7:10:41 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN stated that the loss of Agrium would result in a
loss of 200 jobs in Kenai, with average annual salaries of
$80,000.
7:10:55 PM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHANSEN asked whether the use of coal will bring
controversy to the project.
7:11:41 PM
MS. PARKER responded that the completed environmental analysis
determined that the project could be permitted. She stated that
clean coal technology is available and that the air and water
quality standards are within reach.
7:13:28 PM
CHAIR NEUMAN observed that the energy industry is looking to
diversify.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Economic Development, International Trade
and Tourism meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m.
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