Murkowski downplays role in pipeline project

FAIRBANKS - Former Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski said media reports of his involvement in a North Slope natural gas pipeline have been exaggerated.

In Fairbanks on Wednesday, Murkowski said other media outlets speculated he was working to advance a ConocoPhillips gas line project. The stories of his involvement have become a little sensationalized and he's not being paid to advance a pipeline, he said.

But he added it will be difficult for a pipeline project to go forward under the current process led by Gov. Sarah Palin with just one company on board.