Alaska Dispatch by Rena Delbridge.  A complex deal between the state and TransCanada Corp. to spur construction of a multibillion-dollar natural gas pipeline has done little to make the project more commercially viable and could put the state at financial risk, a former state petroleum economist says. Speaking at an oil industry gathering Thursday in Anchorage, Roger Marks (NGP Photo) said

state leaders made faulty assessments in their quest to land the long-sought pipeline project. At issue is the state’s $500 million subsidy and exclusive license to pipeline builder TransCanada — a deal championed by former Gov. Sarah Palin and approved last year by the Legislature.