The Minerals Management Service incentives for the upcoming Beaufort Sea oil and gas lease sales are proposals only at this time, not a done deal, MMS spokeswoman Robin Cacy told PNA.

"The final notice of sale will outline any incentives package for the sale," Cacy said.

The proposed notice has been sent to Gov. Frank Murkowski, who has 60 days to comment on the size, timing and location of the proposed sale. After addressing the governor's comments, the Department of the Interior will decide whether to proceed with the sale. A final notice of sale would be published in the Federal Register at least 30 days prior to the date of the public opening of the bids.

The Federal Register proposed sale notice gave a Sept. 24 date for the sale.