JUNEAU -- An Anchorage lawmaker plans to introduce legislation exempting a natural gas pipeline project from state property taxes until gas flows through the line.

Sen. Bill Wielechowski, a Democrat, said this could save the line's owners $600 million, improve a project's financials and help make a line more attractive to potential investors. Wielechowski said the proposal is aimed at bringing a gas project of some sort to fruition, though he said he has his doubts about the economic feasibility of a smaller, in-state gas pipeline.

TransCanada Corp. has been pursuing a large line that would carry gas from Alaska's North Slope to market. But more than a year into negotiations, it has yet to announce agreements with shippers.

Wielechowski said his proposal could be one way to move the project along.