Legislature hires gas consultant

JUNEAU (AP) A legislative committee hired a consultant to advise lawmakers on any contract reached between Gov. Frank Murkowski and groups interested in building a North Slope natural gas pipeline.

Bonnie Robson, an oil and gas attorney and former deputy director for the state Department of Natural Resources, was hired to a 9-month consultant's agreement worth up to $100,000 in salary and expenses.

The Legislative Budget and Audit Committee hired Robson last Thursday. She has been working for the Legislature without a contract since April 1.

She advises the Legislature on natural gas issues, including any contract that the Murkowski administration may send to lawmakers to ratify.

Robson worked for the state Division of Oil and Gas from May 2001 to September 2003.

She also worked for the state Department of Law from 1989-91 and again from 1999-2001.