Political Quotes

“After receiving these views from the legislature and the Governor, I scheduled two oversight hearings on May 28 and May 29 in Ketchikan and Juneau, respectively. What I heard at these hearings was overwhelming support for the legislature's resolution, the Governor's action, and the extension of the KPC contract. I heard from tourism interests, bankers, and fishermen who supported the contract extension. While not unanimous, the preponderance of testimony offered over the 2 days--and I might add there were demonstrators who marched in Ketchikan, as well as in Juneau. Most of them, I am pleased to say, wanted to extend the contract--a larger portion, of course, in Ketchikan. These people recognize that there is no alternative source of timber available. Last, I am introducing this legislation today because I have finally lost confidence in the ability of the Forest Service to provide a stable and sustainable supply of timber for southeast Alaska. Over the past few years, the agency has fallen further and further behind in keeping a working timber sale pipeline. This problem has worsened despite the efforts of Senator Stevens to provide the agency with additional funding for timber sale preparation. Consequently, more than half of the operating mills in southeast Alaska have closed their doors during the last few years during this administration's watch. KPC is the last remaining pulp mill in the State. We only have the one. This situation is absolutely critical.”