A new reassessment of geologic data on its leases prompted Usibelli to estimate its reserves at about 700 million tons on all of its land, with 450 million classified as proven and 250 million as probable, the company said. All of the coal is relatively low-grade sub-bituminous grade, although its coal is attractive for its low sulfur and mercury content, Usibelli said.
Brophy said the company decided to reassess its reserves on all its land, not just the permitted land, because of projected growth in demand for coal along the Pacific Rim.
"For most of our history we have been content to assess and report reserves required to cover our existing markets for about 30 years," said Joseph E. Usibelli Jr., president. "Recent initiatives requiring several times our current demand have pointed to the need to expand our focus to evaluate the total reserve picture throughout our lease holdings. The results show that we are well positioned to address major increases in future demand for our coal."
Health clinics receive stimulus monies
Twenty-six health clinics in the state are receiving $14.1 million total in federal stimulus money for building and equipment needs, and to help the increased demand for medical care, according to Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska.
Among the recipients in Southcentral are:
• Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center -- $862,816.
• Eastern Aleutian Tribes Inc. in Anchorage -- $494,308
• Southcentral Foundation in Anchorage -- $400,734.
• Aleutian Pribilof Island Associations in Anchorage -- $382,673.
• Mat-Su Health Services Inc. in Wasilla -- $435,577.
• The Sunshine Community Health Center in Talkeetna -- $520,338.
• Central Peninsula Health Centers Inc. in Soldotna -- $649,650.
• Seldovia Village Tribe -- $466,958.
• Kodiak Island Health Care Foundation -- $433,571.
• Cross Road Medical Center in Glennallen -- $447,810.
• Native Village of Eyak -- $424,697.
USTravel expands presence on Web
USTravel, an Anchorage-based travel management company, is expanding to incorporate more online applications and electronic interface options for its clients, while continuing to develop its travel-management products for the corporate and leisure markets, said Nance Larsen, the company's new vice president of marketing.
Larsen is charged with developing and launching a new brand for USTravel and its family of companies: Doug Fox Travel, Explore Tours, Visions Meetings and Conventions, Air Fulfillment Services and Alaska Exposure. She also will oversee Web-site development for all brands as well as other communications.
Three stores to open at Northway Mall
Three new stores are opening this month in the Northway Mall. Skynet Satellite is an authorized dealer for Direct TV and Dish Network. The business also offers all ACS services except payments, and sells cell phones and accessories. Joy's Corner restaurant opens July 18 and features espressos, sandwiches, kabobs, muffins, reindeer sausage, Thai curry and spring rolls. Offering wireless ACS service, local internet and long distance, QT Tel opens July 15. The business will also sell Lifeline Medical Alert services, cell phones and accessories.
Chamber solicits award nominations
The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce is soliciting nominations for its annual awards: The William A. Egan Outstanding Alaskan, the Bill Bivin Small Business of the Year and the Local Chamber of the Year. The Egan award is given to individuals who have made substantial and continual contributions of statewide significance while working in the private sector. The Biven award pays tribute to businesses that exemplify leadership, ethics and organization. The nomination deadline is Aug. 1. The awards will be given Sept. 22. Nomination forms are available at www.alaskachamber.com. Click on the "About Us" link.
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