The state-owned corporation in charge of developing a trans-Alaska natural gas pipeline said Monday that it is in secret negotiations with an energy company to lead and fund the project.

The pipeline and associated infrastructure is expected to cost at least $44 billion, and that cost has been an insurmountable hurdle for a project that has been discussed for more than 50 years.

Frank Richards, head of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., declined on Monday to share any details of the potential agreement, including the name of the state’s partner.

“I’m announcing that AGDC has reached an exclusive framework agreement with a qualified energy company to privately lead and fund the development of the Alaska LNG project,” he said at a news conference.

“I expect a formal announcement of the definitive agreements in the next few months,” Richards said.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy, speaking at the conference, said he has previously been skeptical about the gas line but now believes actual progress is being made.

“A large gas line has been challenged for decades — the cost, the size, the engineering, you name it,” Dunleavy said. “But there has been significant movement in a positive direction, not just theoretical, but actual, significant movement.”

Last year, AGDC suggested that it could instead seek to build a smaller pipeline for in-state use, but on Monday, Richards said the proposed energy company deal includes an export facility, signaling that it involves the larger plan.

Dunleavy said the pipeline is a long-term solution for a looming energy crunch in Southcentral Alaska, and that the region will face a “bumpy” few years in the meantime.