HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Letter Toghotthele Corp..hotthele corpo'.,";
Martha Katzlorr Off mgr
307.8 Parks Highway
Nonana, AK. PO Bow 249
1
(907)-832-5834 tax
9/10/12
Shawn Calfa, Grant Manager
Alaska Energy Authority
RE: Letter of Support for Nenana Biomass Project
Shawn,
Toghotthele Corporation is the Alaska native village corporation for Nenana. Toghotthele is very
supportive of the biomass project for the school and other public buildings in Nenana for the following
reasons. (1) It will create new industry in Nenana and provide new jobs for our area, (2) it reduces our
dependence on foreign oil and increases our self-sufficiency, (3) it reduces the risk of wildfire around the
community, (4) it attracts new wildlife like moose and grouse who prefer the new growth trees for food,
(5) it reduces emissions and creates cleaner air in our community, and (6) it creates a market for what
used to be "unmarketable" trees like cottonwoods.
Nenana is very unique in that it already has the infrastructure to support a project like this. There are
already logging operations in production that are creating residual waste that could feed the plant. The
state of Alaska is considering opening up thousands of acres of agricultural land near Nenana that will
produce huge quantities of biomass in just the clearing of the land. Nenana has a major highway (The
Parks) and many local logging roads to move the biomass to the boiler. In addition, a major airport, the
railroad, the river barge system, and both power line interties to distribute energy as well. It is our
desire and hope that you will fund the design & permitting process this year and construction for the
following year for the Nenana biomass projects. It is our sense that the entire community is rallying
behind this project with all the major stakeholders in support as well. Please give this project the green
light as you consider your alternatives.
WIT
Toghotthele Corporation