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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThayer Lake Hydro SupportIN51DE PASSAGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE November 7, 2009 Mr. Peter Naoroz, General Manager Kootznoowoo, Inc. Or-OC nl.•! Dairy Road Cu:a UJUJ ll1U UI nVaU, JILLV3 Juneau, AK 99801 Re: Letter of Support for Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project for Angoon, Alaska Dear Peter: The community of Angoon suffers from extremely high energy costs due in part to its dependence on diesel electric generation. Inside Passage Electric Cooperative ("IPEC") is the member -owned, State certificated and regulated electric utility for Angoon. IPFC strives to reduce and stabilize electric rates to Angoon'-; mPmhPrt by rarlurinu tha rnct of aPnaratinn h„ increasing economies of scale through greater sales, and by keeping IPEC's non -fuel costs to a minimum while providing safe, reliable, sustainable power. We understand that Kootznoowoo has exclusive rights through ANILCA to develop and construct the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project for the benefit of the community of Angoon. IPEC has always supported the Thayer Creek Project as having the best potential to provide clean, renewable, lower cost electricity for Angoon. To this end we have committed substantial time and resources over the past several years to work with and assist Kootznoowoo to develop the project. IPEC remains supportive of Kootznoowoo's efforts to develop and construct the Thayer Creek Hydro project for Angoon to the extent that it aids IPEC in reducing electric generation costs for the community. We understand that Kootznoowoo is applying for funds from the State of Alaska's Renewable Energy Fund, and we wholeheartedly encourage and support vour efforts. It is our hope that the Thayer Creek Hydro project proves to be economically and operationally feasible, and that it will provide significant rate benefits to Angoon. As a non-profit entity, IPEC's goal is to provide the lowest possible cost to ratepayers consistent with safe and reliable utility operation. With that in mind, we hope to enter into a memorandum of understanding, and then power sales agreement negotiations with Kootznoowoo. Ideally, Kootznoowoo will agree to provide cost -based power with a reasonable rate of return consistent with State P�77r9c,851-1r Kootznoowoo, I,)L. November 7, 2009 Page 2 of 2 regulations. It is our hope that Kootznoowoo's Thayer Creek Hydro Project can provide significant rate benefits to Angoon. We wish you luck with the project, and we will do our best to aid your efforts as we have in the past. Sincerely, INSIDE PASSAGE ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. U Jodi Mitchell, CMA Chief Executive Officer & General Manager CC: !PEC Board of Directors Alaska State Senator Albert Kookesh Alaska State Representative Bill Thomas City of Angoon GrandCainp (I .ACaska Xative Brotherhood RESOLUTION 428-09 Title: Support for Angoon's Renewable Energy Developments WHEREAS, Southeast Alaska has abundant energy resources which are untapped, ainz Wiicic uicic iS vfqgiuuiu�g to eiiiergc NaLivc eul L)oratiori and ivau�e community ownership of these resources; and WHEREAS, Angoon pays some of the highest energy costs in Southeast Alaska; and WHEREAS, the City of Angoon and Kootznoowoo Inc. have developed and signed an Angoon Energy Plan which identifies priorities and goats including a plan to reduce the cost or energy for Hiigoon tnrougr-i isle development of renewable enerv-v, and WHEREAS, the Angoon Community Association has provided strong letters of support to Kootznoowoo Inc. to develop aiid construct Thayer Lake hydroelectric to its full potential and as the community's top enure° priority, and _ vy WHEREAS, Kootznoowoo Inc. has successfully completed the environmental work and record of decision necessary to secure a permit to construct an environmentally sound run of river hydroelectric project in Angoon in a Wilderness Monument; and WHEREAS, Kootznoowoo Inc. has received grants and is developing the Thayer Lake hydroelectric facility that it was granted rights to develop under ANILCA, and WHEREAS, The City of Angoon has filed on two FEAC hydropower permits: Ruth Lake and Scenery Lake to develop and bring low cost hydropower to all communities of Southeast Alaska, WHEREAS, there are important rural Alaska areas which are energy rich. but do not benefit from harnessing these energy sources due to insufficien'. or missing transmistiio:; assets, and NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Grand Camp of Alaska Native Brotherhood and Sisterhood wholly supports the leadership of the Kootznoowoo Inc. and the City of Angoon for claiming and developing energy resources under Native leadership and Native ownership whereby Angoon is seeking energy self determination for their Native community, for diesel generation communities and for generations to follow. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Grand President and the Executive Committee urge the federal government through the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Interior and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; the State of Alaska and Southeast Conference to support native leadership and development or hydropower projects at Thayer Lake, Scenery Lake and Ruth Lake for the benefit of all Southeast Alaskans by reducing green house gas emissions, by creating jobs in rural Southeast Alaska and by lowering the energy costs that Southeast Alaskan citizens pay to heat and fuel their L L.. �l,. L__..:-- Homes, sellools, andF UUJ111cssCs. � it e t AI 1B Grand President ANS Grand President ATTEST: I certify that this resolution was adopted by the ANB Grand Camp Executive Committee on October 15, 2009 ANB Grand Secretary as utheast Alaska Native Economic Futures Coalition One Sealaska Plaza, Suite 400 Juneau, Alaska 99801 (907, 586-9121 AFN Alaska i Villages - ANB Grand February 14, 2008 Camp ANS Grand Camp Peter Naoroz, President City of Kake KOotznoowoo, Incorporated 8585 Old Dairy Road, Suite 201 Douglas Indian Juneau, Alaska 99801 Association Goldbelt Incorporated Haida Corporation Huna Totem Corporation Hydaburg Cooperative Association Inside Passage Electric Cooperative Inc. Kake Tribal Corporation Kootznoowoo Incorporated Organized Village of Kasaan Sealaska Corporation Sealaska Heritage Institute Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium Tlingit & Haida Central Council Tlingit - Haida Regional Housing Authority Re: Letter supporting the Thayer Creek Project Dear Mr. Naoroz: FES 2 7 RECg The Southeast Alaska Native Economic Futures Coalition writes this letter supporting the planning, building, and implementation of the Thayer Creek Project. The support includes, but is not limited to, securing State of Alaska and Federal grant funds for the Thayer Creek Project. Like Angoon, the Coalition is extremely concerned about the continuing declining populations and lack of economic opportunities due to the extremely high price of energy throughout rural Southeast Alaska. To address the current continuing energy crisis, we support the Thayer Creek Project so that reasonably priced 'reliable energy can be available for residential and commercial use. It is with great commitment that the Cnglitinn writes this letter of support to secure the necessary funding to complete the project. Affordable energy is a fundamental element for economic development throughout rural Alaska, including Angoon: The continued high cost of fuel prices remains detrimental to the lives of life long Alaskans residing in Angoon and their businesses. Please contact us if we can offer further assistance with this critical community energy Intertie project. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Dewe hka Y Chair RJ MAY i REC'D 3100 Channel Drive, Suite 300 • Juneau AK 99801 • (907) 463-3488 • Fax (907) 463-3489 E-mail: iuneauchamber@2ci.net • ice@alaska.com • Web site: htto://www.iuneauchambcr.com Board Members A RESOLUTION OF THE JUNEAU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN ChyEuckrprsCollslSigrePs. Elect Copy Erpress/Sign Pro SUPPORT OF THE THAYER CREEK HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT Ted Quinn, Past President n Capital Office Supplies Q — O 7 Bob Martin Goldbelr, lnc. Alaska Knifes orks Bob Hale JunmrDrerrr Resolution Supporting the City of Angoon's Energy Initiative and the USFS Record of Romer RomDerr Ham Plumbing&Heating Decision approving Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project. Neil Mackinnon Alaska 1eundq Sharon Burns WHEREAS, Angoon through the Angoon Community Association, the City of Angoon ABC Srations Jeremy Hansen and Kootznoowoo, Inc, has been striving for energy independence; improved Hansen economic developftlent and of life; and Dick Knapp PP quality Petra Marine DoalCacger Roru(Caribbenn Crtrisr Liars WHEREAS g promoting y y project , Angoon has been romotin the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric ro ect for th Cartoon nSn more than two decades and that the U.S. Forest Service has issued draft The The Colton Smith Co. Sheldon Winters / environmental impact statements with a final record of decision pending; and Les oneier & Winters Tim McLeod AEL&P WHEREAS, the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric project is "shovel -ready" and should Nathan McCmran Sealaskn qualify for federal stimulus funds and other public funding; THEREFORE, be it resolved that the Juneau Chamber of Commerce, urges the U.S. ACsefactorA4embers Forest Service, to finalize the Record of Decision as soon as possible so this project Allen Marine can move forward to improve the economy; jobs and improve that First National Bank of Alaska provide quality of life in this rPnion• anri Juneau Empirc GCI Communications AJCommunications BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the U.S. Forest Service authorize and permit the Homeaan l Depot Home De Thayer Creek Hydro project proposal submitted by Kootznoowoo, Inc which provides for an overland transmission route and the necessary roads and staging areas to Platinum Members AEL&P construct and operate the project in the manner envisioned by the leaders of Angoon Alaska Litho for over 25 years; and Alaska Marine Lines Alaska Pacific Bank Alaska USA FCU BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, ,that the U.S. Forest Service work in partnership with Bartlett Regional Hospital Angoon, other Southeast Alaska communities, the State of Alaska and other U.S. BP Alaska CBJ(Manager's Office) Government agencies in developing a Southeast Alaska hydroelectric energy inter -tie Office Coeur system with appropriate corridors and linkage to BC Hydro and the Bonneville Power Coeur Alaska, Inc. Alaska, ro,•ganCa.^.s�^.:ton Copy Express Gr id; Elgee Rehfeld & Mertz Exxon Mobil FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution be communicated to the U.S. Greens Creek Mining, Goldhelt,Inc, Forest Service; the Alaska Congressional Delegation; the Governor of Alaska and the Takkugn Oil Alaska State Legislature, True North FCU VAS Wells Fargo Bank of Alaska Western Auto Marine PASSED AND APPROVED by the Juneau Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors On this Date: April 28, 2009 n4L 2,yp_� Cathie Roemmich, CEO Juneau Chamber of Commerce Representing Nearly 400 Member Businesses Resolution Supporting the City of Angoon's Energy Initiative and the USFS Record of Decision approving the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project WHEREAS, the Juneau Branch of the Alaska Miners Association is committed to supporting the development of hydroelectric infrastructure in Southeast Alaska in order to facilitate the economic well being of the region; and WHEREAS, Angoon through the Angoon Community Association, the City of Angoon and Kootznoowoo, Inc., has been striving for energy independence; improved economic development and quality of life; and WHEREAS, Angoon has been promoting the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project for more than two decades; and that the United States Forest Service has issued draft environmental impact statements with a final Record of Decision pending; and WHEREAS, the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project is "shovel -ready" and should qualify for federal stimulus funds and other public funding; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Juneau Branch of the Alaska Miners Association urges the United States Forest Service to finalize the Record of Decision as soon as possible so that this project may move forward to improve the economy, provide jobs and improve the quality of life in this region; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the United States Forest Service to authorize and permit the Thayer Creek Hydroelectric Project proposal submitted by Kootznoowoo, Inc., which provides for an overland transmission route and the necessary roads and staging areas to construct and operate the project in the manner envisioned by the leaders of Angoon for over 25 years; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we urge the United States Forest Service to work in partnership with Angoon, other Southeast Alaska communities, the State of Alaska and other United States Government agencies in developing a Southeast Alaska hydroelectric energy inter -tie system with appropriate corridors and linkage to the British Columbia Hydroelectric and the Bonneville Power Grid; FINALLY, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Resolution be communicated to the United States Forest Service, the Alaska Congressional Delegation, the Governor of Alaska and the Alaska State Legislature. ON BEHALF OF THE JUNEAU BRANCH OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION, April 24, 2009, '1_�- (R� Mike Bell, Chairman ANGOON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION March 11, 2009 The Honorable Barack 01bama President of the United States The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President, The tribal government; Angoon Community Association, would First like to extend their sincere congratulations on your :accomplishment of being the President of our beloved country. This is a huge step forward for the United States Enclosed is a resolution of the rriW gev, rnmert in support of the efforts of our village corporation, formed under ANSCA. The community believes that there are several ways to address the economic crisis that is before us. One of the avenues is to reduce the high cost of energy. Our tsolution is requesting direction to secure funding for a Project that lass been "shovel ready" since the passage of ANILCA. ine stimulus plan is the avenue for the immediate funding of this unport,tnt community project which can develop into an economic boost for this one great State of Alaska. To rile great future Of you and your cabinet SinceI jly, Wally R. Frank, Sr. President CC: Secretary of Iuterior Secretary of Agriculture Department of Energy Senator Lisa Murkowski Representative Don Young City of Angoon Kootaaoo,,voo, Inc. PO BOX 328 • ANGOON, ALASKA • 99820 PHONE: (907) 788-3411 • PAX: (907) 788.3412 AnRoon CommunityAssociation P.O. Box 328 * Angoon, Alaska 99820 * (907) 788-3411 * FAX (907) 788-3412 RESOLUTION OF THE ANGOON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION No. 09-96 WHEREAS: The Angoon Community Association (ACA) is the tribal governing body of the Community of Angoon as authorized by the acts of Congress of June 18, 1934, (48 Stat. 948), and May I, 1936 (49 Stat. 1250) approved by the Secretary of the Interior on May 10, 1939 and ratified by the membership of Angoon Community Association by an election on November 15, 1939, and WHERfiAS' Arhirlp V-Prwy.< re QPr+:.,,, z /-1 M.-t "'P- _ ------ - — -�, ���•=emu � � legotiate with me rederai anti Temtorial (state) Governments on behalf of the Community...", and WHEREAS: the tribal government was the first formal government of the community of Angoon, and WHEREAS: the City of Angoon is the second formal government Which. has the Sole ownership of all utilities. easements, corridors, and ROW of the community of Angoon, and WHEREAS: the village corporation, Kootznoowoo, Inc., has the exclusive right to develop a Hydro project within the national monument, and WHEREAS: one way to enhance the economy of a community is to reduce the high cost of living, and WHEREAS: the tribal government, Angoon Community Association, has the sovereign authority to work directly with the federal government, now therefore BE IT RESOLVED THAT: the President of the United States, the Honorable Barack Obama, and his cabinet, }vtP aLrtl;Ori,7Pwi tO —1, A;ro, A , .�.: , +1——:11_.`_ rr _ v- -Ovuy W. .1 �.uc-. vmagc w'Purnuon, KOOTMOOwoo, Inc., on handing for the completion of the hydro facility in Thayer Creek, which is shovel ready, be it FURTHER RESOLVED: that the fimds be allocated to the tribal government and all the funds be used for construction by the direction of the procurement policy of the tribal government, be it FINALLY RESOLVED THAT: the stimulus funding, because it is a wilderness area, be used to construct a maximum output facility in the Thayer Creek corridor. SIGNED: �i: �r:; >k CERTT,FICATIOid ally RY rank, Sr., President I, the undersigned, as the Secretary of the Angoon Community Association hereby certify that the Council of the Association is composed of Seven (7) members, of whom 6 constituted a quorum were present at a meeting there of duly and regularly called, noticed, convened and held this 1 Ith day of March. 2009; and that the foregoing resolution No. 09-06 was adopted at such meeting by affirmative vote of 5Aye and a Nay. In witness there f, I have set my hand as Secretary this l lth day of March, 2009. ATTEST: i Fl yd -._Jfi. secretary USDA A" United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Secretary Sp Washington, D.C.20250 �3�f 1 i c`;�'u9 Mr. Peter M. Naoroz PrPcirdent and Genernd Mnnnuer Kootznoowoo Incorporated 8585 Old Dairy Road, Suite 201 Juneau, Alaska 99801 Dear Mr. Naoroz: Thank you for your letter of June 29, 2009, about developing clean, affordable energy in Angoon, Alaska, and your work with the Forest Service at Admiralty Island National Monument within the Tongass National Forest. I believe that the Forest Service, Kootznoowoo Incorporated, and the community of Angoon can work together to deal with issues vital to all parties, including energy development and cooperative management. Reconciling the need to preserve the natural and recreational values of the Admiralty Island National Monument with the economic and cultural needs of Kootznoowoo incorporated remains an important Forest Service management goal. Thank you for your commitment to work together. I also encourage you to remain involved with local forest managers on matters that interest you. In preparing a cooperative agreement, please contact Denny Bschor, Regional Forester, at (907) 586-8806. Again, thank you for writing. A similar letter is being sent to Mr. Matthew A. Kookesh, Jr. Sincerely, LCVt4.,- Thoma . ils Secretary An Equal Opportunity Employer