Sponsor Statement for HJR 56

This Resolution urges the Federal Railroad Administration to transfer the Linear Induction Motor Research Vehicle (LIMRV) to the State of Alaska. The LIMRV is a high speed test vehicle which was used in the 1970's for obtaining experimental data by the United States Department of Transportation. The transfer of the LIMRV will allow for the potential development of a new industrial and research business in Alaska. The mining will take place on Prince of Wales Island where the only known North American source of yttrium is located, and the processing will take place in Ketchikan. The development of yttrium could revitalize Ketchikan, after the loss of the pulp mill.

Yttrium is a rare earth element that is currently being purchased from foreign sources at the current world market value of $320,000 for one pound of pure yttrium. Power Superconductor Applications Corporation is proposing local employment in the mining and refining, as well as in the converting the LIMRV to their needs. Upon receipt of the LIMRV, there will be potential employment of up to 55 persons for the conversion.

The mining and refining of yttrium would also cause further job expansion on Prince of Wales Island. These yttrium deposits are also mixed with other rare earth elements, which will allow Alaska further development in other minerals.

Power Superconductor Applications Corporation is also planning to establish a high speed test facility at Annette Field on Metlakatla. This airfield makes available long flat strips of land and a moderate climate for the testing of the LIMRV. Currently, there are facilities in Southeast Alaska that could be quickly retrofitted by the Power Superconductor Applications Corporation for their requirements for the LIMRV conversions and yttrium development. The fact that there are current convertible facilities available, will allow for expedient development of the project.

Alaska has a unique deposit of this valuable earth element, the development of which could provide an opportunity for economic growth and development. I urge your support in this timely resolution.