Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Passes Natural Gas Project Bill

Bill Authorizes and Sets Parameters for "Stranded Gas" Project

For Immediate Release April 17, 1998 Contact: Rep. Mark Hodgins (907) 465-2283.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Friday passed House Bill 393, the so-called "Trans-Alaska Gas Line" bill. HB 393 authorizes the state to negotiate contracts with project sponsors to develop stranded gas resources in Alaska, particularly those on the North Slope. The bill will allow Alaska natural gas to compete with other gas projects around the world.

"This bill is a necessary first step in the development of Alaska's vast reserves of natural gas," said Representative Mark Hodgins (R-Kenai), who carried the bill on the House Floor. "The local hire provisions of this bill mean the gasline project from the North Slope to tidewater will produce thousands of construction jobs over the years it takes to build the line. It will also mean hundreds of jobs in Alaska for the next forty years and literally billions of dollars to the state," Hodgins said.

"Just as importantly, the bill will also mean ample gas supplies for Alaskans into the foreseeable future as well as reasonable prices for that gas," Hodgins said. "As the rest of the world debates its energy future, Alaskans will be able to enter the next century with the security of a sure supply of energy," Hodgins said.

The bill provides for legislative review and public hearings on any contract negotiated by the State to develop a natural gas project.

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Broadcasters note: Comments are available by calling the House Majority Actuality Line at (800) 478-6540.
= Mark Hodgins, 41 K