On February 19th, Commonwealth North hosted the UAA Seawolves Debate Team to debate both sides of the question, "Should the State of Alaska take an ownership stake in a North Slope gas pipeline project?"  The team did an excellent job of representing both sides of this important public-policy issue.  The debate was both entertaining and informative and was also the beginning of a series of forums Commonwealth North will hold to present an in-depth analysis of possible State participation in a North Slope gas pipeline project. 

Over the next several months, Commonwealth North will present three panels to discuss various aspects this topic on March 19, April 23, and May 21.  Among the issues Commonwealth North Members and other Alaskans are concerned about, we will discuss:

  • The implications of State participation in a gas pipeline project.   

 

-Could State participation be financially beneficial the State?
 
-Would State participation increase the likelihood of the project's success?
 
-Are there options for Alaska other than an equity share that would help move the project forward?
 
-What are the possible benefits to the producers of State participation?

 

 

  • The role of the State in investing in large scale private-sector projects. 

 

-What are the rewards of State investment in large private-sector projects?
 
-What are the risks of State investment?
 
-Are there comparable examples in other states that may inform our discussion?

 

 

  • How the State could finance its share of a North Slope gas pipeline project. 

 

-How could the State raise money for its portion of project debt?
 
-Is the State in a position to take on such a financial risk?
 
-What are the risks to the State's credit rating, if any?

 

 

The panelists for this series will include:  Dan Dickenson, CPA; Pat Galvin, Great Bear Petroleum (Former Commissioner of Revenue), Gregg Erickson, Tim Bradner, Steve Rieger and others.