(JUNEAU) - The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee has hired a consultant with more than 12 years experience in oil and gas issues to advise the Legislature on proposed contracts negotiated under Alaska's Stranded Gas Development Act and on other natural gas pipeline issues.

Bonnie Robson, a former deputy director and petroleum investments manager for the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, will provide an array of services related to bringing natural gas to market, including reviewing and analyzing applications and proposed contracts submitted under the Act, working with the administration on behalf of the Committee, and assisting the Legislature with pipeline issues outside the context of the Act.

She will assist with scheduling and agendas for hearings to be conducted this summer on gas pipeline issues such as pipeline costs, revenues, access and in-state gas pricing.

"A proposed contract could be forthcoming at any time, which would initiate a 30-day period in which the Committee would have to be prepared to review the contract," said LB&A Chairman Rep. Ralph Samuels (R-Anchorage).

"The LBA Committee needs timely technical assistance in evaluating and assessing the merits of a potential contract between the State and applicants," said LB&A vice-chair and Senate President Gene Therriault (R-North Pole). "Ms. Robson's expertise will help ensure that a proposed contract fully protects the interests of Alaskans."

In addition to serving as deputy director of DNR from May 2001 to September 2003, Robson was an assistant attorney general in the Oil, Gas and Mining section of the Alaska Department of Law from Sept. 1989 to Sept. 1991, and from Sept. 1999 to May 2001. She was in private practice litigating oil and gas antitrust matters and royalty and tax values from April 1993 to October 1998.

Robson has been hired to provide consulting services through December 31, 2004.

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