Posted on 10/07/2005 8:55:45 AM PDT by thackney
Gov. Frank Murkowski on Thursday delivered a contract to Exxon Mobil, BP and Conoco Phillips for state terms on a natural gas pipeline, along with a refrain for the big-three oil producers: Take this deal, and take it fast.
Murkowski declined to reveal the contract's key contents and wouldn't say whether he'll call the Legislature into special session before the end of the year to ratify it.
But he said he's hopeful the producers will accept the contract offer within a few days, after which state lawmakers and the public would have a chance to see and comment on it.
For over a year the state has been negotiating terms on taxes, ownership, in-state use of gas and other points if the producers build the pipeline. Murkowski stopped short of calling the contract the state's last and best offer, saying it might be subject to "modest adjustments."
Spokesmen for the companies had measured responses.
"We're looking forward to reviewing the state's proposal," said Daren Beaudo, the Anchorage spokesman for London-based BP. "We're working extremely hard toward an agreement on a contract that will enable the project to move forward. And we're looking forward to the day when we can discuss a finalized contract. We're striving to meet the governor's desire to have a deal available for public and legislative review as soon as possible."
"We are making good progress toward a fiscal contract with the state of Alaska," said Dawn Patience, Anchorage spokeswoman for Houston-based Conoco Phillips. "We do support the governor's efforts to complete this process in a timely manner."
"We'll evaluate the state of Alaska's fiscal contract and respond when our assessment is complete," said Susan Reeves, with Exxon, based in Irving, Texas.
(Excerpt) Read more at adn.com ...
Wow! I used html!!! I finally learned how!!! Sorry off topic. I had to try it somewhere...
The biggest construction project in North America, ever. $24 billion. The 3 oil companies need to respond in time for the final revisions to the contract and signing, and the 30-day public hearing, and the special legislative session for gov't acceptance.
Thanks for the thread bump, but may I suggest you place test posts in:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1285967/posts
This Sandbox is devoted to giving you a place to practice basic HTML, and to get some coaching.
IIRC, this would be the largest non-governmental project ever.
That's right. This contract is basically for the permit. State lets them proceed and the companies pay 15% or so royalties. They say it's All-Alaska, but half the pipeline is in Canada where it hooks up with the Alberta gas network.
Without a spur line south to major in-state markets, this will be a very tough sell. At best.
Even as talks continue between Gov. Frank Murkowski and developers of a large-diameter North Slope gas pipeline, two groups have already launched engineering and right-of-way work on smaller spur pipelines that would bring gas to Southcentral Alaska.
Enstar Natural Gas Co. has started work on a $4 million conceptual engineering project for a gas pipeline from the Fairbanks area to Anchorage on a route parallel to the Parks Highway, company spokesman Curtis Thayer said Sept. 26.
Enstar is using federal funds provided by the recently enacted energy and transportation bills. Enstar's plan is for its pipeline to connect with a large-diameter pipeline near Fairbanks. Michael Baker Co. and ASRC Energy Services are working with Enstar on the project, Thayer said.
Meanwhile, the Alaska Natural Gas Development Authority, a state corporation, has applied for a right-of-way lease for a similar pipeline along the Glenn Highway from Glennallen to Palmer. ANGDA is now completing studies that will support preliminary engineering. The ANGDA board was briefed by its staff and consultants at a Sept. 26 meeting. The work is to be completed in mid-October, the board was told.
The authority has also completed an initial feasibility study of building the gas pipeline adjacent to the trans-Alaska oil pipeline from Glennallen to Delta, where a connection would be made with the larger Alaska Highway gas pipeline to the Lower 48 states. ANGDA is working with $2.2 million in state appropriations.
Yup. My son in law is a certified welder & I hope he can get a piece of this pie.
This whole thing is like 5 years too late for everyone, hope they get on the stick.
If he's a welder and stays in the state, it will be hard not to work on it in some form or fashion.
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