By the OGJ Online Staff
WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 2 -- The US Minerals Management Service has issued a call for nominations for two Alaskan Cook Inlet federal lease sales proposed for 2004 and 2006, although they are on a 5-year sale schedule that is not yet final.
Sale 191 is scheduled for May 2004 and Sale 199 for May 2006.
MMS said the process for the first sale would require a minimum of 2 1/2 years for various studies and determinations. Studies for the second sale will be less extensive, focusing on new issues or changes since the first ones.
MMS said the call for information does not indicate a preliminary decision to hold the lease sales. That determination will be made later. Responses are due by Feb. 14.
It noted that the proposed 5-year leasing program offers three options for leasing in the Cook Inlet area in the 2002-07: two sales, one sale, or no sales.
The Cook Inlet area consists of 517 whole and partial blocks (about 2.5 million acres). Alaska also leases state tracts in the inlet.
