Ill 



economically viable timber in a timely fashion. This is the only way that KPC can 

 continue to operate its production facilities and continue to provide jobs and economic 

 stability for the communities of this isolated region beyond 2004. 



In summary, the KPC operations (pulp mill, sawmills and harvesting operations) 

 are vital to the economic well-being of Ketchikan, the forest products industry in 

 southeast Alaska, and the overall economy of Alaska. The manufacturing operations 

 and the related Jobs require an assured supply of economic timber. The contract 

 extension and fairness modifications are needed to effectuate that timber supply 

 assurance. 



Thank you again for this opportunity to testify. I would be happy to answer any 

 questions. 



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