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Parnell establishes gas advisory board
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has established the Municipal Advisory Gas Project Review Board to address municipal concerns around property taxes and impact payments for a proposed Alaska LNG 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 enabling legislation for state equity participation in the project, municipalities objected to the PILT proposal and demanded a role in negotiations for the project.
The governor’s office said Parnell met March 25 with Mat-Su Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss, Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Mike Navarre, Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan, North Slope Borough Mayor Charlotte Brower and Denali Borough May Clay Walker “to ensure meaningful local input in a gas project.”
The governor signed an administrative order establishing the board after the meeting. The board will develop a framework for assessing the impact and benefits of a future Alaska natural gas project, especially on communities.
Local participation Parnell said he is “committed to ensuring local participation” as the gas project continues.
“The Municipal Advisory Gas Project Review Board will provide a meaningful venue for mayors, communities and my administration,” he said.
The board will be chaired by the commissioner of the Department of Revenue, and also includes the commissioners of the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development; mayors from the North Slope, Fairbanks North Star, Denali, Mat-Su, Kenai Peninsula and Anchorage boroughs; one member of an organization representing all municipalities in the state; and two members of the public who do not reside in the six boroughs already represented.
The board will report to the governor and Legislature by Dec. 15 of each year on potential benefits and impacts of North Slope natural gas development and new infrastructure, recommendations for changes to property tax statutes related to a natural gas project and other issues dealing with effects of a major gas project on Alaska communities.
—Petroleum News
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