Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell says he expects the next benchmarks he set for progress on a major natural gas pipeline to be met.

He says the companies are working hard to meet the milestones.

There are two coming up.

By the end of September, Parnell wants discussions to be complete on the potential that exists for a major gas line project and a proposed in-state gas pipeline to consolidate.

He also wants the companies to identify a project and work schedule and to provide some numbers on the cost for a liquefied natural gas project.

The North Slope’s major players, BP, Exxon Mobil Corp., and ConocoPhillips, earlier this year agreed to align with TransCanada Corp. so work toward a major pipeline would be coordinated.