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Text of Resolution:
Sponsors: Colver, Kvalheim, Allen, and Vehrs
Amended by Substitute (SUB-1): 01/06/04
Amended: 01/06/04
Adopted: 01/06/04
Motion to Reconsider Failed: 01/06/04
MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
RESOLUTION SERIAL NO. 04-021 (SUB-1)(AM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH ASSEMBLY MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE CONCERNING COAL BED METHANE LEASES, EXPLORATION, AND OPERATIONS IN THE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH.
WHEREAS, the coal bed methane industry is a new industry in the state of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly strongly supports private property rights; and
WHEREAS, the Assembly supports the development of the state's natural resources, including coal bed methane; and
WHEREAS, the Assembly has held work sessions to collect expert testimony on coal bed methane development and heard testimony that only 10 percent of the area leased for coal bed methane in the Palmer-Wasilla area will likely contain developable subsurface coal resources; and
WHEREAS, baseline water aquifer analysis information to map groundwater flow and interaction of the water aquifers at various depths are not available; and
WHEREAS, public concern has been expressed that unregulated coal bed methane development could have a negative impact on property values if not properly regulated; and WHEREAS, the Assembly supports responsible development and believes industry and private property rights can co-exist with
regulations promulgated giving priority to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests Governor Murkowski and the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources to develop a partnership between the State of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs governing the development of coal bed methane within the boundaries of the boroughs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that baseline information on groundwater supplies and methane seepages be obtained and adequate regulations be adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Assembly requests a meeting with the Governor and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly to discuss and resolve concerns related to coal bed methane development in the boroughs.
ADOPTED by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly this 6 day of January, 2004.
__________________________________
TIMOTHY L. ANDERSON, Borough Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
SANDRA A. DILLON, CMC, Borough Clerk
(SEAL)
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: Bush, Allen, Colberg, Kvalheim, Simpson, Colver, and Vehrs
Amended by Substitute (SUB-1): 01/06/04
Amended: 01/06/04
Adopted: 01/06/04
Motion to Reconsider Failed: 01/06/04
MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH
RESOLUTION SERIAL NO. 04-021 (SUB-1)(AM)
A RESOLUTION OF THE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH ASSEMBLY MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATURE CONCERNING COAL BED METHANE LEASES, EXPLORATION, AND OPERATIONS IN THE MATANUSKA-SUSITNA BOROUGH.
WHEREAS, the coal bed methane industry is a new industry in the state of Alaska; and
WHEREAS, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly strongly supports private property rights; and
WHEREAS, the Assembly supports the development of the state's natural resources, including coal bed methane; and
WHEREAS, the Assembly has held work sessions to collect expert testimony on coal bed methane development and heard testimony that only 10 percent of the area leased for coal bed methane in the Palmer-Wasilla area will likely contain developable subsurface coal resources; and
WHEREAS, baseline water aquifer analysis information to map groundwater flow and interaction of the water aquifers at various depths are not available; and
WHEREAS, public concern has been expressed that unregulated coal bed methane development could have a negative impact on property values if not properly regulated; and WHEREAS, the Assembly supports responsible development and believes industry and private property rights can co-exist with
regulations promulgated giving priority to the protection of the health, safety, and welfare of its residents.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly respectfully requests Governor Murkowski and the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources to develop a partnership between the State of Alaska and the Matanuska-Susitna and Kenai Peninsula Boroughs governing the development of coal bed methane within the boundaries of the boroughs.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that baseline information on groundwater supplies and methane seepages be obtained and adequate regulations be adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor and the Assembly requests a meeting with the Governor and the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly to discuss and resolve concerns related to coal bed methane development in the boroughs.
ADOPTED by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Assembly this 6 day of January, 2004.
__________________________________
TIMOTHY L. ANDERSON, Borough Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
SANDRA A. DILLON, CMC, Borough Clerk
(SEAL)
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: Bush, Allen, Colberg, Kvalheim, Simpson, Colver, and Vehrs