Benson pitches gasline plan in Sitka

SITKA, ALASKA

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The Berkowitz-Benson campaign is championing what it calls the “Alaska Ownership Stake.” 

“In a nutshell, Alaskans who receive the permanent fund dividend can check a box to invest in the pipeline – the natural gas pipeline – which means, they can make money from that venture and own a piece of the pipe as we say,” Benson said.

(Hear extended audio of Benson on a host of other issues.) 

Governor Sean Parnell has criticized the plan, saying there already are options in the works. He told Anchorage television station K-T-V-A that under the Berkowitz plan, the state would have to finance a fifth of the pipeline and go into debt for the rest.

Benson says she’s not sure where Parnell came up with those figures.

“I think he needs to take a closer look at the plan,” she said. “This is a plan with this opportunity for Alaskans to invest, and from that, help get this pipeline going.”

She says the plan to let Alaskans own part of a pipeline isn’t anything new.

 

“Our objective is to lower fuel costs,” she said. “Our objective is to find means for energy for all aras of Alaska, and to reduce those costs at the same time. Our idea puts in place an opportunity for Alaskans in other areas that aren’t directly affected by oil and gas industry to be invested. And it also shows Alaskans’ individual attitude and commitment to the development of their own resources.  And that’s part of the beauty of this plan, and we can show the rest of the nation that we’re serious about this. We’re done talking about it. We’re going to do it.”

Benson says the plan has two additional phases, but she wouldn’t elaborate on what they involved.