Parnell signs in-state pipeline bill

JUNEAU - Gov. Sean Parnell has signed legislation intended to bring a pipeline and affordable natural gas to Alaskans.

Parnell signed HB 369 on Monday at the Pipeline Training Center in Fairbanks. He says it's a "significant step" that builds on past efforts.

The measure gives the chief executive of the Alaska Housing Finance Corp. leadership of an in-state development team. The team is charged with tasks including getting a project plan to lawmakers by July 2011 so a pipeline is operational by 2016.

The bill was a compromise of measures by House Speaker Mike Chenault and Republican Sen. Lesil McGuire, of Anchorage.

McGuire has said an in-state line is compatible - and not competing - with a larger export line the state is also pursuing.