From Sean Cockerham in Anchorage –

The U.S. Senate today confirmed legislative aide and former journalist Larry Persily to be the new federal coordinator for the Alaska natural gas pipeline project.

Persily said he’ll be moving soon to Washington D.C. to start the job, after working out timing with the White House and his current boss, Anchorage Republican Rep. Mike Hawker.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve certainly studied this, read about it, worked on it, talked to people enough over the years. I hope I can take that knowledge and do some good with it,” Persily said.

Persily was recommended for the position by Alaska Democratic Sen. Mark Begich, and nominated by President Obama.

“Larry’s confirmation is great news in the effort to develop Alaska’s natural gas resources and take the gas line from vision and hope to reality. With more than three decades of experience in Alaska and more than a decade working on oil and gas issues, Larry is uniquely qualified to take this position, work with the White House on behalf of Alaskans, and get Alaska’s gas to market,” Begich said in a statement issued today.

Alaska legislators returning from an energy conference in Washington D.C. last week said Obama officials expressed an interest in elevating the project with Persily’s confirmation.

Former Republican legislator Drue Pearce held the job since 2001 until the Obama administration asked her to step down.