By OGJ editors
HOUSTON, Nov. 16 -- Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski on Nov. 16 submitted a 350-page Interim Fiscal Interest Finding (IFIF) report to the Alaskan legislature that provides an economic analysis supporting construction of a natural gas pipeline from the North Slope.
Murkowski, who is leaving office Dec. 4, said he was ready to assist Gov.-elect Sarah Palin and the legislature.
Alaska Department of Revenue Commissioner Bill Corbus prepared the IFIF report, including proposed changes to a draft contract that Murkowski negotiated with North Slope producers. The first draft was released in May (OGJ, June 5, 2006, Newsletter).
The oil companies have not agreed to any of the proposed changes, Murkowski said. The IFIF includes a draft limited liability corporation contract under which the project would be built and operated by a partnership of the state of Alaska and North Slope producers.
"This document represents the future of Alaska," Murkowski said. "We must transition our oil-based economy to one based on gas production."
Murkowski declined to say whether he might ask for additional legislative consideration on the pipeline. The Alaska Supreme Court is reviewing an Alaska state district court ruling that Murkowski cannot unilaterally approve the pipeline contract. Murkowski appealed the lower court ruling.