77 



difficult for the Administration to consider entering into any new 

 arrangement with them. 



Conclusion 



Mr. Chairman, for the last half century, the Forest Service has 

 worked with private companies in many ways to develop a stable 

 economy in Southeast Alaska and to promote the long-term 

 sustainability of natural resources. We believe that the mission 

 of the contract -- developing an industry base and providing 

 year-round employment to support socio-economic development -- has 

 been accomplished. 



We would welcome a broad-based discussion of future timber- industry 

 opportunities in Southeast Alaska, but we object to H.R. 3659 that 

 circumvents the planning process, conflicts with the Tongass Timber 

 Reform Act, and obligates the resources of the nation to one 

 company for one purpose only, without a thorough analysis and 

 discussion of options. 



This concludes my testimony. We would be pleased to answer any 

 questions you may have. 



