Evergreen not surprised by resolution

The Mat-Su Borough Assembly's unanimous approval of a motion to meet with the governor and find resolution to concerns raised over coal-bed methane development was no surprise to Evergreen Resources Alaska Inc. spokeswoman Corri Fiege.

"I think the borough assembly feels they need to make a statement to the public that they are working hard on this issue," Fiege said, adding that she appreciates the position they have taken. After listening to public testimony relating to the issue on a blustery Tuesday evening, Fiege said the testimony was similar to what she's heard before, although she said she was encouraged to hear comments supporting some aspects of drilling.

"I was pleased to see people taking a look at the whole business development aspect of it," Fiege said.

Evergreen, she said, is in the midst of drilling several core holes around the borough, with the intent to gauge whether shallow-well gas development will be economically feasible in the area.

Evergreen crews are currently setting the cement casing of a well in the Kashwitna area, she said, and a casing has already been set on private property in the Hatcher Pass area. Given delays due to winter weather, Fiege estimated results from the core holes should be back in April or May.