Alaska Permanent Fund Corp., Juneau, is searching for a consultant to advise the fund on taking a minority stake in a natural gas pipeline that would run from Alaska's North Slope to the Midwest U.S.
ConocoPhillips, British Petroleum and ExxonMobil have proposed building the pipeline, which would cost an estimated $13 billion to $20 billion and could bring a total of up 130 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to the Midwest. Under one scenario, the state of Alaska would take a 20% stake in the pipeline. The state's investment, which is undefined, could be funded by 20% cash and 80% financing. The $33.7 billion Alaska Permanent Fund Corp. might contribute half of the state's overall investment, according to the RFP. The investment consultant would provide education, investment analysis and guidance to the fund on its role. A selection is slated for April 5.
