The Haines Borough Assembly is moving forward with plans to conduct stakeholder meetings and community forums on the potential development of the Palmer Project mineral deposit.
The assembly voted 4-1 to authorize Mayor Stephanie Scott to collaborate with the Chilkoot Indian Association and Chilkat Indian Village on exploring the possible social, political and economic impacts of a mining industry within the borough.
Assembly member George Campbell was opposed.
The $20,000 proposal submitted by Takshanuk Watershed Council and solicited by Scott and assembly member Debra Schnabel came under fire, with some assembly members balking at Takshanuk’s potential involvement.
Scott clarified the borough would work with CIA and CIV to authorize a final proposal, which wouldn’t necessarily involve Takshanuk.
Assembly member Diana Lapham said she received calls from constituents concerned about Takshanuk’s potential involvement. “They do not trust Takshanuk Watershed Council.”
Assembly member Jerry Lapp also asked that work on putting together meetings or vetting speakers be conducted in-house.
Scott said while she is aware a bias exists against Takshanuk, she doesn’t think it is warranted. “I don’t agree with the bias that is being expressed,” she said.
Takshanuk’s proposal recommends holding a stakeholder meeting in the fall to identify “interests, concerns and perceptions” surrounding development of the Palmer Project. Takshanuk would then develop a list of speakers – objective researchers, scientists, economists – qualified to address those concerns.
A second stakeholder meeting would then be held to develop the final invitation list. The speakers would then present at a two-day community forum in spring 2015, and a final follow-up stakeholder meeting would be used to discuss community feedback and what, if any, steps the borough or tribal governments might take.
Assembly member Joanne Waterman said she didn’t want to limit the discussion to just the Palmer Project. “For me, that’s not what this big picture is about.”
Waterman said she would rather have the community express its general ideas and opinions about what residents would like to see happen in the future.
Scott disagreed and maintained the discussion should remain specific to mining.