General Testimony
December 19, 2022 • Testimony before the AIDEA Board

Good morning, my name is Leila Kimbrell. I am the executive director of the Resource Development Council for Alaska (RDC).  

For 47 years, RDC has advocated for a strong, diversified private sector in Alaska and to expand the state’s economic base through the responsible development of our natural resources. We are a statewide trade association comprised of individuals and companies from Alaska’s fishing, tourism, forestry, mining, and oil and gas industries. This includes private companies, labor organizations, Alaska native corporations, as well as local governments and non-profit organizations. RDC collaborates with our partners to ensure Alaska continues to have a strong and diverse economy by growing Alaska through the responsible development of our vast natural resources.         

As we close out the year, I’d like to thank AIDEA and its board for continuing to support projects that are “essential to the development of the natural resources and the long-term economic growth of the state; that “directly and indirectly alleviate unemployment in the state” and that “promote, develop, and advance the general prosperity and economic welfare of the people of the state.”

Projects like the DeLong Mountain Transportation System, and future projects likes the Ambler Access Project, the West Susitna Access Project, and AIDEA’s leases in ANWR, not only provide and ensure access to responsible development of our vast natural resources, but also provide the opportunity for highly skilled and well-paying jobs in remote regions of our state. While needless delays at the federal permitting level have occurred for many of these projects, they are necessary for a strong economic future. 

RDC looks forward to continuing working with AIDEA to support the development of projects like these for the future prosperity of Alaska.  

Thank you.