March 10, 2010
Wednesday

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell welcomed the news Tuesday that the U.S. District Court has ruled against an injunction that would have temporarily halted the Diesel timber sale in Southeast until the case is finally decided.

"This is a big win for a small, family-owned business that provides jobs for Alaskans," Governor Parnell said. "This decision will allow the Viking Lumber Company to continue its vital contribution to the Prince of Wales economy."

Without Tuesday's ruling, the company, the only mid-size mill operating in Southeast, would have lacked enough timber to operate throughout the year and would have been forced to shut down operations. More than 110 jobs were directly at stake.

Quoting a news release, a lawsuit by environmentalists intended to derail the Diesel timber sale, under which 1,164 acres will be logged. The Viking Lumber Company entered the only bid on the Diesel sale on December 15, offering $1.8 million.

The news release stated now that the Court has denied the preliminary injunction in this case, the State can focus on defending the merits of the sale.

Source of News:

Office of the Governor
www.gov.state.ak.us

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