<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 25

                  Securities Act of 1933 File No.______________

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM T-1
               --------------------------------------------------

                            STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY
                      UNDER THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939
                  OF A CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
                      PURSUANT TO SECTION 305(b) (2) / X /

               --------------------------------------------------

                         U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
               (Exact name of trustee as specified in its charter)
                    A National Banking Association 31-0841368
                                                  -----------
                                      (IRS Employer Identification No.)
                  425 Walnut Street
                  Cincinnati, Ohio                                   45202
                  --------------------------------------------------------------
                  (Address of Principal Executive Offices)         (Zip Code)

                                 Robert T. Jones
                        Vice President and Trust Officer
                         U. S. Bank National Association
                                425 Walnut Street
                             Cincinnati, Ohio 45202
                                 (513) 632-4427
           (Name, address, and telephone number of agent for services)

                                  Ashland Inc.
               (Exact name of obligor as specified in its charter)


             ------------------------      --------------------------------
             (State of Incorporation)      (IRS Employer Identification No.)


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   (Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)

                                Medium Term Note

                       (Title of the Indenture securities)

                                                                               1

<PAGE>

1.   General Information.   Furnish the following information as Trustee --
     -------------------
     (a)   Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to
           which it is subject.
                Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, D.C.
                Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, Ohio
                Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Washington, D.C.

     (b)   Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

                The Trustee is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.

2.   Affiliations with obligor. If  the obligor is an affiliate of the trustee,
     --------------------------
                                describe each such affiliation.
                The obligor is not an affiliate of the Trustee (including its
                parent and any affiliates).

3.   Voting Securities of the trustee.  Furnish the following information as to
     ---------------------------------
                each class of voting securities of the trustee (and its parent).

                    As of _____________ (insert date within 31 days)

               Col A.                                       Col B
     --------------------------------            -----------------------------
            (Title of Class)                          (Amount Outstanding)


4.   Trusteeships under other Indentures. If the trustee is a
     -----------------------------------
     trustee under another Indenture under which any other
     securities, or certificates of interest or participation in
     any other securities, of the obligor are outstanding, furnish
     the following information:

     (a)   Title of the securities outstanding under each such other indenture.

     (b)   A brief statement of the facts relied upon as a basis
           for the claim that no conflicting interest within the
           meaning of Section 310(b) (1) of the Act arises as a
           result of the trusteeship under any such other
           indenture, including a statement as to how the
           indenture securities will rank as compared with the
           securities issued under such other indenture.

5.   Interlocking directorates and similar relationships with the
     ------------------------------------------------------------
     obligor or underwriters. If the trustee (including its parent
     -----------------------
     and any other affiliates) or any of the directors or executive
     officers of the trustee is a director, officer, partner,
     employee, appointee, or representative of the obligor or of
     any underwriter for the obligor, identify each such person
     having any such connection and state the nature of each such
     connection.

6.   Voting securities of the trustee (including its parent and any affiliate)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
     owned by
     --------

                                                                               2

<PAGE>

     the obligor or its officials. Furnish the following information as to
     ----------------------------
     the voting securities of the trustee (including its parent and any
     affiliates) owned beneficially by the obligor and each director,
     partner and executive officer of the obligor:

              As of ___________________ (insert date within 31 days)

       Col. A.            Col. B.            Col. C          Col. D
                                                             Percentage of
                                                             Voting Securities
                                                             Represented by
                                           Amount Owned      Amount Given
     Name of Owner     Title of Class      Beneficially      in Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


7.   Voting securities of the trustee (including its parent and any affiliates)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
     owned by underwriters or their officials.      Furnish the following
     -----------------------------------------
               information as to the voting securities of the trustee (including
               its parent and any affiliates) owned beneficially by each
               underwriter for the obligor and each director, partner, and
               executive officer of each such underwriter:

             As of ____________________ (insert date within 31 days)


      Col. A.             Col B.             Col. C          Col. D
                                                             Percentage of
                                                             Voting Securities
                                                             Represented by
                                           Amount Owned      Amount Given
     Name of Owner     Title of Class      Beneficially      in Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------


8.   Securities of the obligor owned or held by the trustee (including its
     parent and any affiliates). Furnish the following information as to
     securities of the obligor owned beneficially or held as collateral
     security for obligations default by the trustee (including its parent
     and any affiliates):

            As of ____________________ (insert date within 31 days)

      Col. A            Col. B             Col. C              Col. D
                                           Amount Owned
                        Whether the        Beneficially or
                        Securities Are     Held as Collateral  Percent of
                        Voting or          Security for        Class Represented
                        Nonvoting          obligations in      by Amount Given
      Title of Class    Securities         Default             in Col. C
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------





                                                                               3

<PAGE>

9.   Securities of underwriters owned or held by the trustee (including its
     parent and any affiliates). If the trustee (including its parent and
     any affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
     obligations in default any securities of an underwriter for the
     obligor, furnish the following information as to each class of
     securities of such underwriter any of which are so owned or held by the
     trustee:

     Col. A             Col. B             Col. C              Col. D
                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially or
                                           Held as Collateral  Percent of
                                           Security for        Class Represented
     Title of Issuer                       Obligations in      by Amount
     and Title of       Amount             Default by          Given in
     Class              Outstanding        Trustee             Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

10.  Ownership or holdings by the trustee (including its parent and any
     ------------------------------------------------------------------
     affiliates) of voting securities of certain affiliates or security
     ------------------------------------------------------------------
     holders of the obligor. If the trustee (including its parent and any
     ----------------------
     affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral security for
     obligations in default voting securities of a person who, to the
     knowledge of the trustee (1) owns 10% or more of the voting securities
     of the obligor or (2) is an affiliate, other than a subsidiary, of the
     obligor, furnish the following information as to the voting securities
     of such person:

              As of _______________________(insert date within 31 days)

     Col. A             Col. B             Col. C              Col. D
                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially or
                                           Held as Collateral  Percent of
                                           Security for        Class Represented
     Title of Issuer                       Obligations in      by Amount
     and Title of       Amount             Default by          Given in
     Class              Outstanding        Trustee             Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

11.  Ownership or holdings by the trustee (including its parent and any
     ------------------------------------------------------------------
     affiliates) of any securities of a person owning 50 percent or more of
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------
     the voting securities of the obligor. If the trustee (including its
     ------------------------------------
     parent and any affiliates) owns beneficially or holds as collateral
     security for obligations in default any securities of a person who, to
     the knowledge of the trustee, owns 50 percent or more of the voting
     securities of the obligor, furnish the following information as to each
     class of securities of such person any of which are so owned or held by the
     trustee (including its parent and affiliates):

                                                                               4

<PAGE>


              As of ______________________(insert date within 31 days)


     Col. A             Col. B             Col. C              Col. D
                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially or
                                           Held as Collateral  Percent of
                                           Security for        Class Represented
     Title of Issuer                        Obligations in      by Amount
     and Title of       Amount             Default by          Given in
     Class              Outstanding        Trustee             Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

12.  Indebtedness of the Obligor to the Trustee. Except as noted in the
     ------------------------------------------
     instructions, if the obligor is indebted to the trustee, furnish the
     following information:

              As of ____________________(insert date with 31 days)


     Col. A                        Col. B                 Col. C
                                   Amount
     Nature of Indebtedness        Outstanding            Due Date
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

13.  Defaults by the Obligor.
     -----------------------
              a)   State whether there is or has been a default with respect
                   to the securities under this indenture.  Explain the nature
                   of any such default.

              b)   If the Trustee is a trustee under another indenture under
                   which any other securities, or certificates of interest or
                   participation in any other securities, of the obligor are
                   outstanding, or is trustee for more than one outstanding
                   series or securities under the indenture, state whether
                   there has been a default under any such indenture or
                   series, identify the indenture or series affected, and
                   explain the nature of any such default.

              As of _______________________ (insert date within 31 days)


     Col. A               Col. B           Col. C              Col. D
                                           Amount Owned
                                           Beneficially or
                                           Held as Collateral  Percent of
                                           Security for        Class Represented
     Title of Issuer                       Obligations in      by Amount
     and Title of         Amount           Default by          Given in
     Class                Outstanding      Trustee             Col. C
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                               5

<PAGE>

14.  Affiliations with the Underwriters.If any underwriter is an affiliate of
     -----------------------------------
     the trustee (including its parent and any affiliates), described each such
     affiliation.

15.  Foreign Trustee.  Identify the order or rule pursuant to which the foreign
     ----------------
     trustee is authorized to act as sole trustee under indentures qualified or
     to be qualified under the Act.

16.  List of Exhibits. List below all exhibits filed as part of this statement
     -----------------
     of eligibility.


     1.   Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Amendment Letter.

     2.   Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Amendment Letter

     3.   A copy of the Articles of Association of Firstar Bank, National
          Association, as now in effect.

     4.   A copy of the certificate of authority of The First National
          Bank of Cincinnati (now Star Bank, National Association) to
          commence business dated September 1, 1922.

     5.   A copy of the authorization of The First National Bank of Cincinnati
          (now Star Bank, National Association) to exercise corporate trust
          powers.

     6.   A copy of existing By-Laws to Star Bank, National Association
          (now Firstar Bank, National Association)

     7.   The consent of the Trustee required by section 321 (b) of the Trust
          Indenture Act of 1939.

     8.   A copy of the latest report of condition of Firstar Bank, National
          Association, published pursuant to law or the requirements of its
          supervising or examining authority.



                                                                               6

<PAGE>

                                    SIGNATURE

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the
Trustee, U.S. Bank National Association, a national banking association
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly
caused this statement of eligibility to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of Cincinnati and State
of Ohio on the 5th day of September, 2001.


                         U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

                               By: /S/ Robert T. Jones
                                  ----------------------
                                    Robert T. Jones
                                    Vice President and Trust Officer

                                                                               7

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 1
                                                                       ---------

Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

Central District Office
One Financial Place
440 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60605

August 9, 2001

Ms. Karen J. Canon
General Corporate Counsel
U.S. Bancorp
U.S. Bank Place, MPFP2802
601 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota  55402-4302

Dear Ms. Canon:

This letter is the official certification of the Comptroller of the Currency
(OCC) for the merger of U.S. Bank National Association OR, Canby, Oregon, OCC
Charter Number 23714 into U.S. Bank National Association, Minneapolis,
Minnesota, OCC Charter Number 13405, under the title and charter of the latter.

This letter is also the official certification of the OCC for the merger of U.S.
Bank National Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota, OCC Charter Number 13405,
into Firstar Bank, National Association, Cincinnati, Ohio, OCC Charter Number
24, under the charter of the latter, and the title of "U.S. Bank National
Association".

It is understood that both mergers are effective as of the close of business on
August 9, 2001.

This letter also constitutes official authorization of the OCC for U.S. Bank
National Association to operate the main office and branches of the target
institution as branches of the resulting bank following the merger. A listing of
each newly authorized branch and its assigned OCC branch number is attached.
Branches of a national bank target are not listed since they are automatically
carried over to the resulting bank and retain their current OCC branch numbers.

If you have any questions, please contact the undersigned or National Bank
Examiner David J. Rogers, at (312) 360-8867.

Sincerely,

/S/ Carolina M. Ledesma
National Bank Examiner

                                                                               8

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 2
                                                                       ---------

Comptroller of the Currency
Administrator of National Banks

Central District Office
One Financial Place, Suite 2700
440 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, Illinois 60605

February 11, 1999

Mr. Richard J. Hidy
Vise president and
Deputy General Counsel
StarBanc Corporation
425 Walnut Street
P.O. Box 1038, ML 9140
Cincinnati, OH 45201-1038

Dear Mr. Hidy:

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has received your letter
concerning the title change and the appropriate amendment to the bank's articles
of association. The Office has recorded that as of February 12, 1999, the title
of Star Bank, National Association, Cincinnati, Ohio, Charter No. 24, was
changed to "Firstar Bank, National Association."

As a result of the Garn-St. Germain Depository Institutions Act of 1982, the OCC
is no longer responsible for the approval of national bank name changes nor does
it maintain official records on the use of alternate titles. The use of other
titles or the retention of the rights to any previously used title is the
responsibility of the bank's board of directors. Legal counsel should be
consulted to determine whether or not the new title, or any previously used
title, could be challenged by competing institutions under the provisions of
federal and state law.

Sincerely,

/S/ David J. Rogers
National Bank Examiner

                                                                               9

<PAGE>
                                                                       EXHIBIT 3

                       FIRSTAR BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
                       ----------------------------------
                                 CHARTER NO. 24
                                 --------------
                             ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
                             -----------------------

FIRST: The title of this Association shall be "Firstar Bank, National
- ------
Association".

SECOND: The main office of the Association shall be in the city of Cincinnati,
- -------
County of Hamilton, State of Ohio. The generalbusiness of the Association shall
be conducted at its main office and its branches.

THIRD: The Board of Directors of this Association shall consist of not less than
- -----
five (5) nor more than twenty-five (25) shareholders, the exact number of
Directors within such minimum and maximum limits to be fixed and determined from
time to time by resolution of a majority of the full Board of Directors or by
resolution of the shareholders at any annual or special meeting thereof. Unless
otherwise provided by the laws of the United States, any vacancy in the Board of
Directors for any reason, including an increase in the number thereof, may be
filled by action of the Board of Directors.

FOURTH: The annual meeting of the shareholders for the election of Directors and
- ------
the transaction of whatever other business may be brought before said meeting
shall be held at the main office or such other place as the Board of Directors
may designate, on the day of each year specified thereof by the Bylaws, but of
no election is held on that day, it may be held on any subsequent day according
to the provisions of law; and all elections shall be held according to the
provisions of law; and all elections shall be held according to such lawful
regulations as may be prescribed by the Board of Directors.

FIFTH: The authorized amount of capital stock of this Association shall be
- -----
3,640,000 shares of common stock of the par value of five dollars ($5.00) each,
but said capital stack may be increased or decreased from time to time, in
accordance with the provisions of the laws of the United States.

No holder of shares of the capital stock of any class of the Association shall
have any pre-emptive or preferential right of subscription to any shares of any
class of stock of the Association, whether now or hereafter authorized, or to
any obligations convertible into stock of the Association issued or sold, nor
any right of subscription to any thereof other than such, if

                                                                              10

<PAGE>

any, as the Board of Directors, in its discretion, may from time to time
determine and at such price as the Board of Directors may from time to time fix.

The Association, at any time and from time to time, may authorize and issue debt
obligations, whether or not subordinated, without the approval of the
shareholders.

SIXTH: The Board of Directors shall appoint one of its members President of this
- -----
Association, who shall be Chairman of the Board, unless the Board appoints
another Director to be the Chairman. The Board of Directors shall have the power
to appoint one or more Vice Presidents; and to appoint a Cashier and such other
officers and employees as may be required to transact the business of this
Association. The Board of Directors shall have the power to define the duties of
the officers and employees of the Association; to fix the salaries to be paid to
them; to dismiss them; to require bonds from them and to fix the penalty
thereof; to regulate the manner in which any increase of the capital of the
Association shall be made; to manage and administer the business and affairs of
the Association; to make all bylaws that it may be lawful for them to make and
generally to do and perform all acts that it may be legal for a Board of
Directors to do and perform.

SEVENTH: The Board of Directors, without need for approval of shareholders,
- -------
shall have the power to change the location of the main office of this
Association, subject to such limitations as from time to time may be provided by
law; and shall have the power to establish or change the location of any branch
or branches of the Association to any other location, without the approval of
the shareholders, but subject to the approval of the Comptroller of the
Currency.

EIGHTH: The corporate existence of this Association shall continue until
- ------
terminated in accordance with the laws of the United States.

NINTH: The Board of Directors of this Association, the Chairman of the Board,
- -----
the President, or any three of more shareholders owning, in the aggregate, not
less than twenty-five percent of the stock of this Association, may call a
special meeting of shareholders at any time. Unless otherwise provided by the
laws of the United States, a notice of the time, place, and purpose of every
annual and special meeting of the shareholders shall be given by first-class
mail, postage prepaid, mailed at least ten days prior to the date of such
meeting to each shareholder of record at his address as shown upon the books of
this Association.

TENTH: Any person, his heirs, executors, or administrators, may be indemnified
- -----
or reimbursed by the Association for reasonable expenses actually incurred in
connection with any action, suit, or proceeding, civil or criminal, to which he
or they shall be made a party by reason of his being or having been a director,
officer, or employee of the Association or of any firm, corporation, or
organization which he served in any such capacity at the request of the
Association. Provided, however, that no person shall be so indemnified or
reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or proceeding as to
which he shall finally be adjudged to have been guilty of or liable for gross
negligence, willful misconduct or criminal acts in the performance of his duties
to the Association. And, provided further, that no person shall be so
indemnified or reimbursed in relation to any matter in such action, suit, or
proceeding which has been made the subject of a compromise settlement except
with the approval of a court of competent jurisdiction, or the

                                                                              11

<PAGE>

holders of record of a majority of the outstanding shares of the Association, or
the Board of Directors, acting by vote of Directors not parties to the same or
substantially the same action, suit or proceeding, constituting a majority of
the whole number of Directors. And, provided further, that no director, officer
or employee shall be so indemnified or reimbursed for expenses, penalties or
other payments incurred in an administrative proceeding or action instituted by
an appropriate bank regulatory agency where said proceeding or action results in
a final order TENTH (continued) assessing civil money penalties or requiring
affirmative action by an individual or individuals in the form of payments to
this Association. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive
of other rights to which such person, his heirs, executors, or administrators,
may be entitled as a matter of law. The Association may, upon the affirmative
vote of a majority of its Board of Directors, purchase insurance for the purpose
of indemnifying its directors, officers and other employees to the extent that
such indemnification is allowed in the preceding paragraph. Such insurance may,
but need not, be for the benefit of all directors, officers, or employees.

ELEVENTH: These Articles of Association may be amended at any regular or special
- --------
meeting of the shareholders by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the stock of this Association, unless the vote of the holders of a greater
amount of stock is required by law and in that case by the vote of the holders
of such greater amount.

                                                                              12

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 4
                                                                       ---------

    COPY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TRUSTEE TO COMMENCE BUSINESS:

                                     NO. 24

E Pluribus Unum

                               TREASURY DEPARTMENT

                      Office of Comptroller of the Currency

                                            Washington, D.C., September 1, 1992

     WHEREAS, the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled, "An Act to
amend section 5136, Revised Statutes of the United States, relating to corporate
powers of associations, so as to provide succession thereof for a period of
ninety-nine years or until dissolved, and to apply said section as so amended to
all national banking association", approved by the President on July 1, 1922,
provided that all national banking associations organized and operating under
any law of the United States on July 1, 1922 should have succession until
ninety-nine years from that date, unless such association should be sooner
dissolved by the act of its shareholders owning two-thirds of its stock, or
unless its franchise should become forfeited by reason of violation of law, or
unless it should be terminated by an Act of Congress hereinafter enacted;

     NOW THEREFORE, I, D. R. Crissinger Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby
certify that The First National Bank of Cincinnati and State of Ohio , was
organized and operating under the laws of the United States on July 1, 1922, and
that its corporate existence was extended for the period of ninety-nine years
from that date in accordance with and subject to the condition in the Act of
Congress hereinbefore recited.

(SEAL)                                     IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, witness my hand
                                           & seal of office this first day of
                                                                 -----
                                           September, 1922
                                           ---------------

                                           (Signed)    D. R. Crissinger
                                                   -----------------------------
                                              Comptroller of the Currency

                                                                              13

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 5
                                                                       ---------

      THE AUTHORIZATION OF THE TRUSTEE TO EXERCISE CORPORATE TRUST POWERS:

                              FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD

                                Washington, D.C.

                                                            October 9, 1919

     Pursuant to authority vested in the Federal Reserve Board by the Act of
Congress approved December 23, 1913, known as the Federal Reserve Act, as
amended by the Act of September 26, 1918, the

                        FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CINCINNATI

has been granted the right to act, when not in contravention of State or local
law, as TRUSTEE, EXECUTOR, ADMINISTRATOR, REGISTRAR OF STOCKS AND BONDS,
GUARDIAN OF ESTATES, ASSIGNEE, RECEIVER OR IN ANY OTHER FIDUCIARY CAPACITY IN
WHICH STATE BANKS, TRUST COMPANIES OR OTHER CORPORATIONS WHICH COME INTO
COMPETITION WITH NATIONAL BANKS ARE PERMITTED TO ACT UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE
OF OHIO. The exercise of such rights shall be subject to regulations prescribed
by the Federal Reserve Board.

                                          Federal Reserve Board,

                                               By W. P. G. Harding
                                                      Governor.
ATTEST:
W. T. Chapman
Secretary.

                                  STATE OF OHIO
                         DEPARTMENT OF BANKS AND BANKING
                         Certificate of Authority No. 17
                                 NATIONAL BANKS

     I, Philip C. Berg, Superintendent of Banks, do hereby certify that the
First National Bank of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio has complied with all
the requirements provided by law and is authorized to transact the business of a
trust company and to perform all the functions granted to such companies by the
laws of this state.



                             Given under my hand and official Seal at Columbus,
                             Ohio, this twenty-fifth day of November, A.D. 1919

                                               Philip C. Berg,
                                               Superintendent of Banks.

(SEAL)

                                                                              14

<PAGE>


                                                                       EXHIBIT 6
                                                                       ---------

                                     BY-LAWS
                                     -------

                                 STAR BANK, N.A.
                                 ---------------

                                    ARTICLE I
                                    ---------

                            MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
                            ------------------------

SECTION 1.                 ANNUAL MEETING
- ----------                 --------------

The annual meeting of shareholders shall be held in the main banking house of
the Association at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday in February of each year.
Notice of such meeting shall be mailed to shareholders not less than ten (10)
nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date.

SECTION 2.                 SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ----------                 ----------------

Special meetings of shareholders may be called and held at such times and upon
such notice as is specified in the Articles of Association.

SECTION 3.                 QUORUM
- ----------                 ------

A majority of the outstanding capital stock represented in person or by proxy
shall constitute a quorum of any meeting of the shareholders, unless otherwise
provided by law, but less than a quorum may adjourn any meeting, from time to
time, and the meeting may be held as adjourned without further notice.

SECTION 4.                 INSPECTORS
- ----------                 ----------

The Board of Directors may, and in the event of its failure so to do, the
Chairman of the Board shall appoint Inspectors of Election who shall determine
the presence of a quorum, the validity of proxies, and the results of all
elections and all other matters voted upon by shareholders at all annual and
special meetings of shareholders.

SECTION 5.                 VOTING
- ----------                 ------

In deciding on questions at meetings of shareholders, except in the election of
directors, each shareholder shall be entitled to one vote for each share of
stock held. A majority of votes cast shall decide each matter submitted to the
shareholders, except where by law a larger vote is required. In all elections of
directors, each shareholder shall have the right to vote the number of shares
owned by him for as many persons as there are directors to be elected, or to
cumulate such shares and give one candidate as many votes as the number of
directors multiplied by the number of his shares equal, or to distribute them on
the same principle among as many candidates as he shall think fit.

                                                                              15

<PAGE>

SECTION 6.             WAIVER AND CONSENT
- ----------             ------------------

The shareholders may act without notice and/or a meeting by a unanimous written
consent by all shareholders.

                                   ARTICLE II
                                   ----------

SECTION 1.                 TERM OF OFFICE
- ----------                 --------------

The directors of this Association shall hold office for one year and until their
successors are duly elected and qualified.

SECTION 2.                 REGULAR MEETINGS
- ----------                 ----------------

The organization meeting of the Board of Directors shall be held as soon as
practical following the annual meeting of shareholders at the main banking
house. Other regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held without
notice at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month except February, at the
main banking house, or, provided notice is given by telegram, letter, telephone
or in person to every Director, at such time and place as may be designated in
the notice of the meeting. When any regular meeting of the Board falls on a
holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business day, unless the
Board shall designate some other day.

SECTION 3.                 SPECIAL MEETINGS
- ----------                 ----------------

Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the
Board of the Association, or at the request of three or more Directors. Notice
of the time, place and purposes of such meetings shall be given by telegram,
letter, telephone or in person to every Director.

SECTION 4.                 QUORUM
- ----------                 ------

A majority of the entire membership of the Board shall constitute a quorum at
any meeting of the Board.

SECTION 5.                 NECESSARY VOTE
- ----------                 --------------

A majority of those Directors present and voting at any meeting of the Board of
Directors shall decide each matter considered, except where otherwise required
by law or the Articles or By-Laws of this Association.

SECTION 6.                 COMPENSATION
- ----------                 ------------

Directors, excluding full-time employees of the Bank, shall receive such
reasonable compensation as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7.                 ELECTION-AGE LIMITATION
- ----------                 -----------------------

No person shall be elected or reelected a Director after reaching his seventieth
(70th) birthday, provided that any person who is a Director on December 10,
1985, may continue to be reelected

                                                                              16

<PAGE>


SECTION 7.              ELECTION-AGE LIMITATION       (continued)
- ----------              -----------------------

a Director until he reaches his seventy-fifth (75th) birthday.

SECTION 8                  RETIREMENT-AGE LIMITATION
- ---------                  -------------------------

Every Director of the Bank shall retire no later than the first month next
following his seventieth (70th) birthday, except for any person who was a
Director on December 10, 1985, who shall retire not later that the first of the
next month following his seventy-fifth (75th) birthday.

SECTION 9                  DIRECTORS EMERITUS
- ---------                  ------------------

The Board shall have the right from time to time to choose as Directors Emeritus
persons who have had prior service as members of the Board and who may receive
such compensation as shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

                                   ARTICLE III
                                   -----------

                                    OFFICERS
                                    --------

SECTION 1                  WHO SHALL CONSTITUTE
- ---------                  --------------------

The Officers of the Association shall be a Chairman of the Board, a President, a
Secretary, and other officers such as Chairman of the Executive Committee, Vice
Chairman of the Board, Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Vice
Presidents, Assistant Secretaries, Trust Officers, Trust Investment Officers,
Trust Real Estate Officers, Assistant Trust Officers, a Controller, Assistant
Controller, an Auditor and Assistant Auditors, as the Board may appoint from
time to time. Any person may hold two offices. The Chairman of the Board, all
Vice Chairmen of the Board and the President shall at all times be members of
the Board of Directors.

SECTION 2                  TERM OF OFFICE
- ---------                  --------------

All officers shall be elected for and shall hold office for one year and until
their successors are elected and qualified, subject to the right in the Board of
Directors by a majority vote of the entire membership to discharge any officer
at any time.

SECTION 3.                 CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
- ----------                 ---------------------

The Chairman of the Board shall have general executive powers and duties and
shall perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the
Board of Directors. In addition, unless the Board of Directors shall have
designated the President to be the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the
Board shall be the Chairman Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and
duties of the Chief Executive Officer. He shall, when present, preside at all
meetings of shareholders and directors and shall be ex officio a member of all
committees of the Board. He shall name all members of the committees of the
Board, subject to the confirmation thereof by the Board.

                                                                              17

<PAGE>

SECTION 3.       CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD  (continued)
- ----------       ---------------------

If he is Chief Executive Officer, in the event that there is a vacancy in the
position of President or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the
President, the Chairman may appoint, or in the event of his failure to do so,
the Board of Directors or the Executive Committee thereof may designate any Vice
Chairman of the Board, any Executive Vice President or any Senior Vice President
of the Association temporarily to exercise the powers and perform the duties of
the Chairman as Chief Executive Officer when the Chairman is absent or
incapacitated.

If the President has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the President
or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the President, the Chairman
shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and shall have all the
powers and perform all the duties of the President, including the powers to name
temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the Chairman.

SECTION 4                  PRESIDENT
- ---------                  ---------

The President shall have general executive powers and duties and shall perform
such other duties as may be assigned from time to time by the Board of
Directors. In addition, if designated by the Board of Directors, the President
shall be the Chief Executive Officer and shall have all the powers and duties of
the Chief Executive Officer, including the same power to name temporarily a
Chief Executive Officer to serve in the absence of the president if there is a
vacancy in the position of the Chairman or in the event of the absence or
incapacity of the Chairman.

If the Chairman has been designated Chief Executive Officer by the Board of
Directors, in the event that there is a vacancy in the position of the Chairman
of the Board or in the event of the absence or incapacity of the Chairman of the
Board, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Association and
shall have all the powers and perform all the duties of the Chairman of the
Board, including the same power to name temporarily a Chief Executive Officer to
serve in the absence of the President.

SECTION 5                  CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- ---------                  -----------------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect a Chairman of the Executive
Committee. Any such Chairman of the Executive Committee shall participate in the
formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other duties as
may be assigned to him from time to time by the President or by the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 6                  VICE CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD
- ---------                  --------------------------

The Board of Directors shall have the power to elect one or more Vice Chairmen
of the Board of Directors. Any such Vice Chairmen of the Board shall participate
in the formation of the policies of the Association and shall have such other
duties as may be assigned to him from time to time by the Chairman of the Board
or by the Board of Directors.

                                                                              18

<PAGE>

SECTION 7                  OTHER OFFICERS
- ---------                  --------------

The Secretary and all other officers appointed by the Board of Directors shall
have such duties as defined by law and as may from time to time be assigned to
them by the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors.

SECTION 8                  RETIREMENT
- ---------                  ----------

Every officer of the Association shall retire not later than the first of the
month next following his sixty-fifth (65th) birthday. The Board of Directors
may, in its discretion, set the retirement date and terms of retirement of an
officer at a date later than provided above.

                                   ARTICLE IV
                                   ----------

                                   COMMITTEES
                                   ----------

SECTION 1                  EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- ---------                  -------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors in this Association to be known
as the Executive Committee. This Committee shall meet at 11:00 a.m. on the first
and fourth Tuesday of each month. It shall have all of the powers of the Board
of Directors between meetings of the Board, except as the Board only by law is
authorized to perform or exercise. All actions of the Executive Committee shall
be reported to the Board of Directors.

In the event that any member of the Executive Committee is unable to attend a
meeting of that committee, the Chairman of the Board or the President may, at
his discretion, appoint another Director to attend said meeting of the Executive
Committee and for that meeting to serve as a member of the Executive Committee
with full power to act in place of the absent regular member of the committee.

SECTION 2         COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
- ---------         ----------------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors of this Association to be known
as the Compensation Committee who shall review the compensation of all Executive
Officers and those officers who participate in the Profit Sharing Pool as well
as fees for directors of the Association. They will recommend specific
compensation arrangements to the Board of Directors for their confirmation.

SECTION 3                  COMMITTEE ON AUDIT
- ---------                  ------------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Committee on Audit, none of whose members shall be active officers of the
Association. This Committee shall make or cause to be made a suitable
examination of the affairs of the

                                                                              19

<PAGE>

SECTION 3.       COMMITTEE ON AUDIT  (continued)
- ----------       ------------------

Association and the Trust Department at least once during each period of twelve
months. The results of such examination shall be reported in writing to the
Board at the next regular meeting thereafter stating whether the Association
and/or Trust Department is in a sound solvent condition, whether adequate
internal audit controls and procedures are being maintained and make such
recommendations as it deems advisable.

SECTION 4                  TRUST COMMITTEE
- ---------                  ---------------

There shall be a standing committee of Directors of this Association to be known
as the Trust Committee. The Trust Committee shall determine policies of the
Department and review actions of the Trust Investment Committee. All actions of
the Trust Committee shall be reported to the Board of Directors.

SECTION 5                  TRUST INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
- ---------                  --------------------------

There shall be a standing committee of this Association to be known as the Trust
Investment Committee composed of officers of the Association. The Trust
Investment Committee or such officers as may be duly designated by the Trust
Investment Committee, shall pass upon the acceptance of all trusts, the closing
out or relinquishment of all trusts and the making, retention, or disposition of
all investments of trust funds in conformity with policies established by the
Trust Committee. Actions of the Trust Investment Committee shall be reported to
the Trust Committee.

SECTION 6                  PENSION COMMITTEE
- ---------                  -----------------

There shall be a standing committee of directors or officers of this Association
to be known as the Pension Committee, who shall have the powers and duties as
set forth in the Association's Employees' Pension Plan. A report of the
condition of the pension fund shall be submitted annually to the Board of
Directors.

SECTION 7                  OTHER COMMITTEES
- ---------                  ----------------

The Chairman may appoint, from time to time, other committees for such purposes
and with such powers as he or the Board may direct.

                                    ARTICLE V
                                    ---------

                                      SEAL
                                      ----

SECTION 1                  IMPRESSION
- ---------                  ----------

The following is an impression of the seal of this Association.

February 27, 1992

                                                                              20

<PAGE>

RESOLVED, That Article I, Section 1, Article II, Section 2 and Article IV,
Section 5 of the By-Laws of the Association be amended to state as follows:

                                    ARTICLE I

SECTION 1                  ANNUAL MEETING
- ---------                  --------------

The annual meeting of the shareholders shall be held in the main banking house
of the Association at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday in March of each year.
Notice of such meeting shall be mailed to shareholders not less than ten (10)
nor more than sixty (60) days prior to the meeting date.

                                   ARTICLE II

SECTION 2.                 REGULAR MEETINGS
- ----------                 ----------------

The organizational meeting of the Board of directors shall be held on the same
date as soon as practical following the annual meeting of shareholders at the
main banking house. Other regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be
held without notice at 11:00 a.m. on the second Tuesday of June, September, and
December, at the main banking house, or, provided notice given by telegram,
letter, telephone or in person to every Director, at such time and place as may
be designated in the notice of the meeting. When any regular meeting of the
Board falls on a holiday, the meeting shall be held on the next banking business
day, unless the Board shall designate some other day.

                                   ARTICLE IV

SECTION 5.                 TRUST POLICY COMMITTEE
- ----------                 ----------------------

There shall be a standing committee of this association to be known as the Trust
Policy Committee composed of officers of the Association. The Trust Policy
Committee or such officers as may be duly designated by the Trust Policy
Committee, shall pass upon the acceptance of all trusts, the closing out or
relinquishment of all trusts and the making, retention, or disposition of all
investments of trust funds in conformity with policies established by the Trust
Committee. Actions of the Trust policy committee shall be reported to the Trust
Committee.

                                                                              21

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 7
                                                                       ---------

                           THE CONSENT OF THE TRUSTEE
                         REQUIRED BY 321 (b) OF THE ACT

     Firstar Bank, National Association, the Trustee executing the statement of
eligibility and qualification to which this Exhibit is attached does hereby
consent that reports of examinations of the undersigned by Federal, State,
Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon request therefor in accordance with the
provisions of 321 (b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.


                                    U. S. Bank NATIONAL ASSOCIATION




    September 5, 2001              BY:      /S/ Robert T. Jones
    ---------------------                -----------------------
          Date                              Robert T. Jones
                                            Vice President and Trust Officer

                                                                              22

<PAGE>

                                                                       EXHIBIT 8
                                                                       ---------

                        Consolidated Report of Condition
                       Firstar Bank, National Association
                               for March 31, 2001

   All schedules are to be reported in thousands of dollars. Unless otherwise
            indicated, report the amount outstanding as of the last
                          business day of the quarter.

                                  Balance Sheet

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                      Dollar Amounts in
                                                                                         Thousands

ASSETS
<S>                                                                                        <C>
1. Cash and balances due from depository institutions
   a.  Noninterest-bearing balances and currency and coin                                  3,552,537
   b.  Interest-bearing balances                                                              84,305
2. Securities:
   a. Held-to-maturity securities                                                            258,467
   b. Available-for-sale securities                                                       11,633,830
3. Federal  funds sold and  securities  purchased  under  agreements  to resell in           201,521
   domestic offices of the bank and of its Edge and Agreements subsidiaries, and in
   YBFs

   a. Federal funds sold                                                                        0.00
   b. Securities purchased under agreements to resell                                           0.00
4. Loans and lease financing receivables:
   a. Loans and leases, net of unearned income                                            50,451,541
   b. LESS: Allowance for loan and lease losses                                              638,188
   c. LESS: Allocated transfer risk reserve
d. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, allowance, and reserve                       49,813,353
5.  Trading assets                                                                            15,974
6.  Premises and fixed assets (including capitalized leases)                                 910,902
7.  Other real estate owned                                                                   18,427
8.  Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and associated companies                      134,045
9.  Customers' liability to this bank on acceptances outstanding                              16,879
10.  Intangible assets                                                                     1,312,172
11.  Other assets                                                                          2,216,955
12.  Total assets                                                                         71,345,806
</TABLE>



                                                                              23

<PAGE>

     Consolidated Report of Condition Firstar Bank, National Association for
                          March 31, 2001 Continued...

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Dollar Amounts
                                                                                             in
                                                                                          Thousands
<S>                                                                                      <C>
LIABILITIES
13. Deposits:
    a.  In domestic offices                                                              48,738,815
        (1) Noninterest-bearing                                            3,619,910
        (2)                                                               45,118,905
    Interest-bearing

    b. In foreign offices, Edge and Agreement subsidiaries, and IBFs                      1,524,520
        (1)  Noninterest-bearing                                                   0
        (2) Interest-bearing                                               1,524,520
14. Federal funds  purchased and securities  sold under  agreements                       6,408,872
    to repurchase  in domestic  offices of the bank and of its Edge and
    Agreement subsidiaries, and in IBFs:
    a. Federal funds purchased
    b. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
15. a.  Demand notes issued to the U.S. Treasury                                            357,723
    b.  Trading liabilities                                                                  15,455
16. Other borrowed money:
    a. With original maturity of one year or less                                         4,609,144
    b.  With original maturity of more than one year                                        966,210
17. Mortgage indebtedness and obligations under capitalized leases
18. Bank's liability on acceptances executed and outstanding                                 16,879
19. Subordinated notes and debentures                                                     2,517,167
20. Other liabilities                                                                     1,722,100
21. Total liabilities                                                                    65,552,952
22. Limited-life preferred stock and related surplus                                           0.00
23. Perpetual preferred stock and related surplus                                              0.00
24. Common Stock                                                                             18,199
25. Surplus [exclude all surplus related to preferred stock]                              3,539,986
26. a. Undivided profits and capital reserves                                             1,809,689
    b. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on                                              78,161
       available-for-sale securities
27. Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments                                        0.00
28. Total equity capital                                                                  5,627,324
29. Total  liabilities,  limited-life  preferred  stock, and equity                      71,345,806
    capital
</TABLE>


                                                                              24

