Third phase of public process to begin

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski said July 7 that a series of meetings will be held July 17-July 24 to provide more explanation and answers to questions raised by the public about the draft fiscal contract the administration has negotiated with BP, ConocoPhillips and ExxonMobil.

“Many members of the public throughout the state had questions and concerns regarding the proposed gas pipeline contract,” Murkowski said. “It is our obligation to provide Alaskans with the best business deal possible, and we feel the contract we have negotiated with the three producers is just that. But it is evident from the public that we need to answer their questions and give better explanations of what is in the contract.”

The Department of Revenue hosted public forums run July 17-July 24:

Juneau, July 17, 12 p.m.-3 p.m., Centennial Hall;

Kenai, July 18, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Challenger Learning Center;

Fairbanks, July 19, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., UAF Downtown Center;

Anchorage, July 20, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., UAA Consortium Library;

Mat-Su, July 21, 2 p.m.-5 p.m., Palmer Depot;

Eagle River, July 21, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Eagle River Parks/Rec Office; and

Barrow, July 24, 1 p.m.-5 p.m., North Slope Borough Assembly Room.

—Petroleum News