Exhibit 99.1

               Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
                          Litigation Reform Act of 1995


In  connection  with  the  safe  harbor  provisions  of the  Private  Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act), Ball is hereby filing cautionary
statements  identifying important factors that could cause Ball's actual results
to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements of Ball.
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations contains forward-looking statements, and many of these statements are
contained in Part I, Item 2, "Business".  The Reform Act defines forward-looking
statements  as  statements  that express or imply an  expectation  or belief and
contain a  projection,  plan or  assumption  with regard to, among other things,
future  revenues,   income,  earnings  per  share  or  capital  structure.  Such
statements of future events or performance involve estimates,  assumptions,  and
uncertainties  and are  qualified  in their  entirety by  reference  to, and are
accompanied by, the following  important  factors that could cause Ball's actual
results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking  statements
made by or on behalf of Ball.

Some  important  factors that could cause Ball's  actual  results or outcomes to
differ  materially  from  those  discussed  in  the  forward-looking  statements
include,  but are not limited  to,  fluctuation  in customer  growth and demand,
weather,  fuel costs and  availability,  regulatory  action,  Federal  and State
legislation, interest rates, labor strikes, maintenance and capital expenditures
and local economic conditions.  In addition, Ball's ability to have available an
appropriate  amount of production  capacity in a timely manner can significantly
impact Ball's financial performance. The timing of deregulation and competition,
product  development and introductions and technology changes are also important
potential factors. Other important factors include the following:

Difficulties in obtaining raw materials,  supplies,  power and natural resources
needed  for  the  production  of  metal  and  plastic   containers  as  well  as
telecommunications  and aerospace  products  could affect Ball's ability to ship
containers and telecommunications and aerospace products.

The pricing of raw materials,  supplies,  power and natural resources needed for
the production of metal and plastic containers as well as telecommunications and
aerospace  products,  pricing  and  ability  to sell scrap  associated  with the
production  of  metal  containers  and the  effect  of  changes  in the  cost of
warehousing  the  Company's   products  could  adversely  affect  the  Company's
financial performance.

Technological or market  acceptance issues regarding the business of EarthWatch,
performance failures and related contracts or subcontracts,  the success or lack
of success of the satellite launches and business of EarthWatch,  the failure of
EarthWatch to receive additional  financing needed for EarthWatch to continue to
make  payments,  or any  events  which  would  require  the  Company  to provide
additional financial support for EarthWatch Incorporated.

The inability to achieve technological advances in the Company's businesses. The
inability of the Company to achieve year 2000 compliance.

Cancellation  or  termination of government  contracts for the U.S.  Government,
other customers or other government contractors.

The  effects  of,  and  changes  in,  laws,  regulations,  other  activities  of
governments   (including  political  situations  and  inflationary   economies),
agencies  and  similar  organizations,  including,  but not  limited  to,  those
effecting frequency,  use and availability of metal and plastic containers,  the
authorization and control over the availability of government  contracts and the
nature and  continuation  of those contracts and the related  services  provided
thereunder,  the  use of  remote  sensing  data  and  changes  in  domestic  and
international  tax  laws  could  negatively   impact  the  Company's   financial
performance.

The  effects of changes in the  Company's  organization  or in the  compensation
and/or benefit plans; any changes in agreements  regarding  investments or joint
ventures in which the Company has an  investment;  the ability of the Company to
acquire other businesses;  the amount,  type or cost of the Company's  financing
and  changes  to  that  financing,   could  adversely  impact  Ball's  financial
performance.

Risks  involved in  purchasing  and selling  products and services and receiving
payments  in  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.   The  devaluation  of
international currencies and the ability to obtain adequate credit resources for
foreseeable financing requirements of the Company's businesses.