On August 1, 2008, TransCanada announced that it had received the support of the Alaska Legislature to award the company a license for the Alaska Pipeline Project under the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act (AGIA).

This positive vote was the conclusion of a special session of the Legislature which reviewed the recommendation of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and the Commissioners of Natural Resources and Revenue to issue TransCanada the license. Governor Palin, her administration, and a team of expert advisors conducted a comprehensive analysis of TransCanada’s application prior to their recommendation to the Legislature. TransCanada’s application met all of the AGIA requirements, which include protecting Alaska’s interests with reasonable commercial terms; the ability to provide in-state gas deliveries; Alaska labour opportunities; and procedural elements that facilitate an expedited path toward state and federal approval, as well as a timely open season to solicit capacity on the line.

TransCanada will now move forward with project development, which will include engineering, environmental reviews, aboriginal relations, and commercial work to conclude an initial binding open season in two years. During this period, TransCanada will continue its efforts to align with potential shippers. If sufficient firm contracts are secured in the open season, TransCanada would begin construction after regulatory approvals are received. TransCanada is targeting to have the pipeline in service by September 2018.

For more information, visit the Alaska Pipeline Project web page. This page includes detailed information about the project, including maps.