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sales, induced not only significant investment by the pulp plants, 

 who seem to be the scapegoat in this situation, but also by a 

 number of independent loggers and other support activities, includ- 

 ing everything from the boll weevil center to the local restaurant. 



I am confident in this statement as I participated in the financ- 

 ing and building of a $65 million fiberboard plant in the Republic 

 of Ireland and we could not have gotten that contract unless we got 

 support from the government. I feel it is an obligation of the gov- 

 ernment when they make those commitments. 



The second point, the company I work for in Alaska has exported 

 over a $100 million worth of lumber in the past several years, 

 which certainly must contribute to the balance of trade problem 

 that we seem to have. In producing this lumber we have provided 

 approximately 200 people in the small town of Wrangell with year- 

 round employment and a similar number of seasonal jobs located 

 in the logging industry. 



An adequate timber supply and a market facility to sell the pulp 

 logs is essential to the existence of the areas' sawmills and logging 

 operations. We should all recognize the potential impact on the 

 economy of southeast Alaska of changes in government policy. 

 Timber and related industries supply a large number of our citi- 

 zens with employment. 



I thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion. 



Senator Wirth. Thank you very much, Mr. Ransdell. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Ransdell follows:] 



