(JUNEAU) - The Legislative Budget & Audit Committee and Senate Resources Committee will meet Wednesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 29 at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office for its second of three joint interim hearings on Alaska gas pipeline issues. The meetings have been set up to provide an informational resource to legislators to prepare them for their deliberations on any proposed Alaska Stranded Gas Development Act contract between the State of Alaska and applicants who may build the gas pipeline.

The first meeting brought many expert perspectives on pipeline cost and tariff issues including current Stranded Gas Act applicants; state tax, royalty, and legal personnel; independent explorers; finance experts; and rate regulation experts. The third meeting will deal with the issues of price and revenue to the state.

"There has been much talk over the years about a gas pipeline. These meetings are an opportunity to have all the players at the table, which ultimately helps the Legislature to see all sides of this complicated issue." said LB&A Chairman, Representative Ralph Samuels. "This will be the single most important decision that the Legislature will make for the next two decades. We need the best information possible to make that decision," said Senate Resources Chairman, Senator Scott Ogan.

The July meeting will focus on access to original and expansion capacity issues with a gas pipeline.

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