The Northern Pipeline Agency (NPA) was created with the proclamation of the Northern Pipeline Act in April 1978 to oversee planning and construction of the Canadian portion of the Alaska Highway Gas Pipeline Project by the Foothills Group of Companies. The Minister of Natural Resources is responsible for the management and direction of the Agency. Pending resumption of planning and construction of the pipeline, the only office in the NPA that is staffed is the Office of the Commissioner, which maintains a small support staff.