by Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce & SGCEDC
The Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Gila County Economic Development Corporation have both come out in support of Resolution Copper and the proposed land exchange now before Congress.
Directors of both organizations appeared before a recent Globe City Council to voice their support and both boards approved sending letters in favor of the land swap to state and national leaders.
Russ Fetterman, president of the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce, noted the importance of the land exchange for the local area. "The jobs generated by the Resolution project will help secure a stable economic base for the future," he said.
Chris Martin, director of the SGCEDC told the Globe City Council at its Feb. 9th, meeting, “Pay from good jobs turns over three to four times in our community. The saying goes that a high tide lifts all ships in the port. High paying jobs are the economic development tide that lifts all of the businesses in our harbor. When we have high-paying jobs, especially numbering in the hundreds, there is more disposable income for each one of us and our families. We spend more money at service and retail businesses so they thrive. There is more money for education. Even non-profit organizations like the Signal Peak Community Foundation and the Pinal Mountain Foundation for Higher Education, and our community food banks do better because we have more to give."
“With all of these factors in mind … please support the land exchange. We need those jobs … especially in this time of economic downturn. Your support will help make a positive difference for this generation, and the generations to come,” Martin added.
In a letter addressed to state legislators and the Congressional delegation, Fetterman noted, “The Chamber believes that this Act should be passed expeditiously because the exchange is in the best interest of the affected communities, the environment and the federal government. This project is a world-class copper mine that would offer high-paying, high-tech jobs for many years once the mine is in production. In view of the current economic climate, it is imperative in our view that we are able to keep these jobs in this country. Resolution Copper has gone the extra mile in assuring the project is environmentally responsible and the company has been sensitive to any and all local concerns that might have been raised,” Fetterman noted.
“The project will mean good-paying jobs that will allow our young people to stay in rural Arizona and make a living wage. Educational opportunities will improve as training programs are implemented in local schools and colleges. The business opportunities for related products and services will increase incrementally as the Resolution project continues. It will bring some critical habitat into federal protection and ensure the establishment of a conservation district, while allowing Resolution Copper to proceed with its project. The project will also provide a new and significant tax base for our ailing state and local governments. This is the type of project that will help ensure the continued success of rural Arizona and its residents. In short, we see the land exchange as a win-win for all parties involved,” he added.
Both organizations have voiced their support of Resolution at several public meetings as well as in private meetings with lawmakers. The bill now before Congress seeks the exchange of 5,500 acres of several highly desirable parcels that Resolution would exchange for some 2,400 acres in the Oak Flat area. The exchange would allow Resolution to develop the large copper deposit under the site.