Big Wigs on the Tundra

Hubby has a special assignment to escort the Governor of the great state of Alaska today. He will be leading the motorcade as Governor Sarah Palin attempts to gain support for the newest gas pipeline plan from local work force and community officials here in Barrow.
The pipeline would provide lots of jobs and income for Alaskans, but the construction and operation of such a project would have an impact on tundra life. Litterally millions of dollars have been spent on reasearching the environmental impact on natural wildlife, fisheries and the villages that depend on them for subsistence, but it is hard to know what information is valid when it comes to political interests and big money.
Being an avid outdors woman, I am an advocate for protecting the environment. But the biggest concern that I have is what will be done with the money that this project would bring into the state. Who will get it, how will it be used and will THAT be good for the people of Alaska. After seeing first hand what the oil money did, I am not all that hopeful. I think it is irresponsible to just hand out "free money" to people who don't understand from where it comes, and it creates a false sense of entitlement and dependency that will eventually expire with the exhaustion of resources.
I have heard some really strong views both for and against, but I am not totally convinced one way or the other. I've seen the tundra, I've seen large stretches of the already existing oil line and the impact it has had on wildlife and subsistence. I think that if BOTH the gas line AND the money it generates are responsibly managed, many of the environmental pitfalls of the oil line can be avoided, and it's positive impact will far outweigh the negative. But really, I am most concerned with what the state plans to do with the money generated from the project.
I think there is a way to make it a win-win for Alaskan society, economy and enviornment. I'm not sure what it is, and am glad that it is not on my shoulders to make it happen, but I support the efforts to continue exploring the impact and feasability of the project.
What do you think?