OLYMPIA, Wash.--June 26, 2006--Alcoa Foundation announced today that it is partnering with Northwest Chinook Recovery, the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and Washington State University to host a series of seminars throughout the state that will promote the benefits of producing and using biodiesel within the agricultural community in Washington.

"I am pleased that Alcoa has made a significant contribution to advancing alternative fuels in Washington," said Governor Chris Gregoire. "This project will help our farmers get hands-on experience with biodiesel, which is essential to moving us toward home-grown sources of fuels, giving farmers an alternate crop and reducing our dependence on foreign oil."

Representatives from Alcoa's Intalco Works in Ferndale presented a $50,000 Alcoa Foundation grant to the Northwest Chinook Recovery to fund four seminars that the organization will host throughout Washington. Additional support materials will be available on the Internet in cooperation with the WSDA and Washington State University.

"Alcoa has become a leader in the use of alternative fuel sources and several of our plants are now using biodiesel fuel following a successful pilot project," said Mike Rousseau, Alcoa plant manager at its Intalco facility. "The use of biodiesel has numerous benefits as it reduces emissions, reduces dependence on oil, increases cost effectiveness, and supports agricultural-based employment because the fuel is manufactured from canola - a renewable source."

"We are very grateful to Alcoa Foundation for their support of the use of renewable fuel in Washington," said John Sayre, executive director, Northwest Chinook Recovery. "We look forward to complementing the efforts

Alcoa has had a presence in Washington for more than 65 years and employs 875 in the state at four locations. The total economic impact of Alcoa facilities amounted to $210 million in 2005.

About Alcoa Foundation

Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognize the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organizations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit www.alcoa.com, under Community.

About Alcoa

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 43 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

About Northwest Chinook Recovery

Northwest Chinook Recovery is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enhancement of Northwest rivers. NCR continues to build alliances of landowners, farmers, tribes, environmental interests and agencies to save the total landscape in northwest Washington.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa Inc.

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 44 countries and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More information can be found at www.alcoa.com

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