[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22500]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      SOUTHEAST ARIZONA LAND EXCHANGE AND CONSERVATION ACT OF 2006

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK RENZI

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 5, 2006

  Mr. RENZI. Mr. Speaker, in regard to the three site visits that I 
have made to the mining location and the recreation area, in regard to 
the over 20 meetings that I have with former president of Resolution 
Copper, their current president, their lobbyists and employees, and in 
regard to the over one dozen meetings with the San Carlos Apaches, I 
re-introduce this refined legislation today.
  I recognize that a portion of the land being conveyed to Resolution 
Copper in the vicinity of the Oak Flat Campground is used by the Apache 
people for traditional acorn gathering and other cultural purposes. My 
staff and I have discussed this matter with Resolution Copper on 
several occasions, and Resolution has assured us that upon conveyance 
of the land to them, the company will make every effort to allow such 
traditional uses to continue. As much of the land in question lies 
immediately adjacent to Arizona Highway 60, Resolution Copper believes 
that it is unlikely the bulk of the area in question will be 
significantly disturbed by exploration or mining activities in the 
foreseeable future.
  In addition, Resolution has assured me that they will establish job 
training and employment opportunities for potential Apache employees. 
As such, it is with great hope that I introduce this legislation for 
the future prosperity of the region.