Media Advisory

Secretary Norton Makes Trans-Alaska Pipeline System
Right-of-Way Renewal Decision, Jan. 8

TAPS provides 17 percent of U.S. domestic oil production

WASHINGTON -- Interior Secretary Gale Norton will sign a decision document on renewing the Federal Agreement and Right-of-Way for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS). The signing ceremony will be held in Washington, D.C., Jan. 8, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the South Interior Building Auditorium.

The TAPS covers 800 miles, of which 427 miles are located on federal land, 344 miles on state land, and 29 miles on private land. The TAPS began transporting oil in June 1977 and currently provides about 17 percent of U.S. domestic oil production.

Who:
Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior
Frank Murkowski, Alaska Governor
Lisa Murkowski, U.S. Senator (AK)
Thomas J. Barrett, Vice Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard
Kathleen Clarke, Director, Bureau of Land Management
Henri Bisson, Alaska State Director, Bureau of Land Management
Jerry Brossia, Authorized Officer, Joint Pipeline Office

What:
Signing Ceremony authorizing federal Right-of-Way renewal for TAPS
Media availability will immediately follow the signing ceremony

Where:
South Interior Building Auditorium
1951 Constitution Ave.
Washington, D.C.

When: TOMORROW, Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003, at 11:00 a.m.

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