Alaska State Legislature
News from the Senate and House Majorities

Wendy Lindskoog, Senate Majority Press Secretary, (907) 258-8184
Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary, (907) 258-8164
716 West 4th Avenue, Suite 510
Anchorage, AK 99501
http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality Line: 1-800-478-6540

Legislative Leaders Applaud Gasline Sponsor Agreement

Agreement Paves Way Toward Alaska Natural Gas Development

For Immediate Release: August 11, 1998 Contact: Wendy Lindskoog at (907) 258-8184.

Anchorage – Calling it a "red letter" day in Alaska, House Speaker Gail Phillips and Senate President Mike Miller praised the formation of a new Alaska North Slope (ANS) Gas Project Sponsor Agreement saying it is an essential first step toward developing Alaska’s Natural Gas reserves.

The gas project sponsor agreement, announced by ARCO Alaska, Inc., Foothills Pipe Lines Ltd., Marubeni Corporation, Phillips Petroleum Company and CSX Corporation through its subsidiary, and Yukon Pacific Corporation, calls for significant engineering, permitting and commercial work over the next four years. A primary work team will be formed, located in Alaska, and will begin work immediately to advance the prospects of exporting Alaska North Slope natural gas.

"Finally we have a base for industry to seriously consider developing a Trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline that will allow us to export our natural gas throughout the world," said House Speaker Gail Phillips. "This is an exciting time for Alaska reminiscent of the early days when we began work on the oil pipeline. I am pleased we have one common voice that can speak for Alaska as this group moves forward in its study of the gas pipeline feasibility."

"This is the first step toward developing Alaska’s natural gas reserves and building an Alaska natural gas pipeline a reality," said Senate President Mike Miller. "With the groundwork now being laid to make this project possible, it will be important for the Legislature to take the necessary steps to ensure that the future employment opportunities will fall into the hands of qualified Alaskans."

Members of the Legislature have been working for years to move the gasline project forward. "Passage of the Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act this year sent an essential message to Alaska and foreign companies that Alaska is serious about building a natural gas pipeline and is serious about developing and exporting our natural gas," Phillips said. "Certainly the bi-partisan cooperation between the administration and the Legislature sent this message out loud and clear throughout the world."

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Broadcast Note: Radio actualities from Senate President Mike Miller and House Speaker Gail Phillips are available by calling 800/478-6540.
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