Alaska Governor Sarah Palin (R) is inviting prospective builders to submit applications to construct a multibillion-dollar gas pipeline from Alaska's North Slope through Canada to markets in the Midwest. The pipeline is expected to cost about $30 billion, and officials have said it could carry trillions of cubic feet of gas.
In making the announcement to open the competition, Governor Palin said the process is open to anyone interested–oil companies and independent pipeline builders. "The RFA (request for applications) commences AGIA's fair, open and competitive process by inviting creative offers for the pipeline proposal that will maximize the benefits for all Alaskans," she said, referring to the Alaska Gasline Inducement Act. Applications are due October 1 and must include information on the line's route, its intended markets and how it will be designed and constructed.