Gas-related geology studies proposed by state geologists

Patricia Jones, Petroleum News contributing writer

State of Alaska geologists have requested a total of $18 million in federal funding — $4.2 million to start in 2004 — for multi-year natural gas-related geologic mapping and assessment projects.

Rod Combellick, acting director of the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, briefly described the projects at a recent University of Alaska Fairbanks energy research workshop.

One project would provide a detailed geologic evaluation of the proposed natural gas pipeline corridor from Fairbanks to the Canadian border.

If approved, $3 million would be allocated in 2004 through the U.S. Geological Survey, Combellick said. The division requested a total of $15 million for the project, $3 million a year for the next five years.

The second project involves a study of sedimentology, stratigraphy and structure of the Brooks Range Foothills to better evaluate the area’s natural gas resources. "Potential gas reservoirs in the foothills belt are poorly understood and pose significant exploration and production challenges," the funding request said.

If approved as requested, $1.2 million would be allocated in 2004, with the remaining $1.8 million in the following two years.

Money for both projects would initially come from the supplemental federal appropriation bill for 2004, Combellick said.