HomeMy WebLinkAboutBBNA Letter of Support 11-06-2009BRISTOL BAY NATIVE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 310
DIILINGHAM, ALASKA 99576
PHONE (907) 842-5257
November 6, 2009
Tribal Councils
Served by BBNA: Re: Letter of Support for Naknek Electric Association, Inc.
Aleknagik Southwest Alaska Regional Geothermal Energy Project
Chignik Bay
Naknek Electric Association, Inc. (NEA) is developing a long-term energy project that will serve as a
cnignik Lagoon stepping stone to a regional geothermal power initiative for Southwest Alaska. The Bristol Bay region is
Chignik Lake culturally unique and rich in natural resources. Despite its bounty, the increasing and unpredictable cost
Clarks Point of fossil fuel energy is destabilizing rural communities. Lowering the cost of energy will radically
improve local economies, enhance resource development and preserve the culture.
Curyung
Egegik Naknek Electric Association, Inc., as a microcosm of the region reflects these dire circumstances and is
Ekuk committed to lowering utility rates and the cost of living in the Bristol Bay Region. To that end the utility
has begun characterizing; developing and testing the geothermal resource for production of utility scale
Ekwok electric, home heating and direct use applications. A phased transmission network will extend the
â–ºgiugig benefits of indigenous, clean and renewable energy to the region. The project's phased generation and
lliamna interconnection development will provide sustained "New Energy" jobs during construction and career
employment opportunities in operations and maintenance throughout the life of the project.
lvanof Bay
Kanatak Bristol Bay is considered the "Sockeye Salmon Capital of the World". The harvest, worth over $100
million in 2009, is sustainable and lowering the cost of electricity will significantly improve economies
with cost-effective local secondary processing, extended seasons and cold storage options for the seafood
Kokhanok industry and local entrepreneurs.
Koliganek
Bristol Bay is poised both geographically and geologically for major economic productivity.
Level°ck Transforming natural resources like seafood, oil, gas and minerals, into globally viable market
Manokotak commodities locally, using geothermal energy will provide economic benefit to the region, state and the
Naknek nation. Natural resources, geology, proximity to international shipping lanes and the region's emerging
role in the international rush for control and exploitation of Arctic resources make Southwest Alaska an
New Stuyahok attractive region for geothermal development and the use of public funds for infrastructure development.
Newhalen
Nondalton Energy independence, economic development, sustainability, and security are driving low-cost
geothermal development. We cannot afford to do nothing. The challenge is regional, the idea is old, the
Olsomille risk is high, and the potential is tremendous.
Pedro Bay
Perryville Bristol Bay Native Association recognizes NEA's leadership in planning and developing geothermal
resources for the long-term energy needs in the region. On behalf of BBNA members I would like to
Pilot Poi"` convey our endorsement of the goals of the Southwest Alaska Regional Geothermal Energy Project and
Port Heiden support for NEA's proposal to the Renewable Energy Fund Grant program for project- investment to
Portage Creek mitigate exploration and development costs.
South Naknek a Cerely,
Togiak
Twin Hills 4 \/ _
QAA
Hgashik Ralph Andersen
Chief Executive Officer