00                    HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 10                                                                   
01 Supporting the development of the Kensington Gold Mine.                                                                 
02 BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:                                                               
03       WHEREAS the state has abundant natural resources, particularly mineral resources;                               
04 and                                                                                                                     
05       WHEREAS the state seeks to develop these minerals in an environmentally                                         
06 responsible manner that will benefit all of its residents; and                                                          
07       WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., has proposed to develop the Kensington Gold Mine                                    
08 north of Juneau, investing over $150,000,000 since 1998; and                                                            
09       WHEREAS the Kensington Gold Mine would create over 300 construction jobs and                                    
10 225 long-term, year-round operations jobs with a $16,000,000 annual payroll, diversifying the                           
11 economy in Southeast Alaska while protecting the environment; and                                                       
12       WHEREAS the United States Forest Service has completed an exhaustive                                            
13 environmental impact analysis and favorable Record of Decision, based on over 900                                       
14 environmental and engineering studies and a related spending commitment by Coeur Alaska,                                
15 Inc., of approximately $25,000,000; and                                                                                 
16       WHEREAS the Kensington Gold Mine has also demonstrated a commitment to local                                    
01 employment, training, Alaska and Native hire and purchases; and                                                         
02       WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., has demonstrated an exemplary environmental track                                   
03 record in the state and has demonstrated that it is a responsible environmental steward for all                         
04 its domestic and international mining projects; and                                                                     
05       WHEREAS Coeur Alaska, Inc., intends to commence a summer 2005 construction                                      
06 startup, following receipt of the remaining federal and state permits;                                                  
07       BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature proclaims its strong support for                               
08 this environmentally responsible mining project, and encourages all federal and state agencies                          
09 to proceed and complete thorough and timely permitting reviews and issue the necessary                                  
10 permits in order that a summer 2005 construction schedule can be achieved and that 2006                                 
11 gold production with associated economic and employment benefits can be realized to benefit                             
12 the people of Southeast Alaska and the state as a whole.