HomeMy WebLinkAboutREFG NEA Resolution 09-04NAKNEK ELECTRIC ASSOCIA TION,INC.
A Resolution of the Board of Directors of Naknek Electric Association,Inc.Authorizing,Southwest
Alaska Regional Geothermal Energy Project's Apprenticeship Training Program Application to the
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development -Division of Business Partnerships
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.(NEA)is a rural electric cooperative serving Naknek,South Naknek
and King Salmon in the Bristol Bay region of Southwest Alaska and is developing a long-term energy
project that will serve as a stepping stone to a regional geothermal power initiative for Southwest Alaska;
and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.recognizes that energy costs drive development and that extremely
high energy costs in the region have contributed to stunted economic growth that has ultimately
destabilized communities and resulted in high outmigration rates as evidenced in NEA's service area;
and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.is committed to lowering utility rates and the cost of living in the region
and is developing indigenous geothermal potential for utility grade electric generation and direct use
applications,and the interconnection infrastructure that will increase economies of scale in a region rich
in natural resources and poised for economic productivity;and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.understands that many benefits will result from phased renewable
energy development in the region and among them are sustained job creation job retention,
apprenticeship training opportunities and career path awareness in the renewable energy sector;and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.is owner and operator of Rig #7 and recognizes the need for a well-
trained and motivated workforce with the capacity to work safely and efficiently on a geothermal drill site
and has initiated a pre-apprenticeship training program for roustabout local hires;and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.will propose a full apprenticeship program to the Alaska Department of
Labor and Workforce Development -Division of Business Partnerships targeting geothermal resource
exploration and development drilling operations;and
Naknek Electric Association,Inc.will utilize its geothermal drill site as a remote training center for pre-
apprenticeship and apprenticeship program trainees in partnership with the geothermal industry and the
Southwest Alaska Vocational &Education Center in King Salmon,Alaska where required courses and
safety certifications will be offered;and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of Naknek Electric Association,Inc.authorizes the
submission of an unsolicited proposal to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development,Division of
Business Partnerships for investment in cost-share on the job training and classroom instruction specifically designed
in response to the geothermal industry manpower requirements,and NEA General Manager Donna Vukich as the
point of s;;ontaCt with the authority to commit the cooperative to any obligations that may occur as a consequence of
NE8's appr'en!ice~....hip training proposal....-
-PASSED AND-APPROVED by the Board of Directors of Naknek Electric Association,Inc.on this 26th day of October,
2"609.
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