Parnell names municipal advisory board

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has named members of the Municipal Advisory Gas Project Review Board, created by the governor to understand potential impacts and benefits of a major natural gas project on communities throughout the state.

The board, which will review available information, hold public meetings and provide annual reports to the governor by Dec. 15, will be chaired by Department of Revenue Commissioner Angela Rodell.

Representing boroughs directly impacted by the proposed natural gas pipeline project are North Slope Borough Mayor Charlotte Brower of Barrow, Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins, Denali Borough Mayor Clay Walker, Matanuska Susitna Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss of Palmer, Municipality of Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan and Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre of Soldotna.

Appointed to the public seats are Northwest Arctic Borough Mayor Reggie Joule of Kotzebue; Robert Venables of Haines, the energy coordinator for the Southeast Conference; and Robert Bartholomew, finance director for the City and Borough of Juneau.

The board, which the governor established by administrative order in March, will address municipal concerns around property taxes and impact payments for the proposed Alaska liquefied natural gas project.

The heads of agreement for the project calls for payments in lieu of property taxes, and for the governor to consult with affected municipalities on property taxes. In hearings on Senate Bill 138, the enabling legislation for state equity participation in the project, municipalities objected to the PILT proposal and demanded a role in negotiations for the project.

- Kristen Nelson