I hate to tell you all, but it is basic economics:  The natural gas located furthers from market (as measured in $/MMBtu) will be brought to market last.  At this point North Slope gas is indeed furthest from markets (Asia) and thus it will not be brought to market now - but probably later.

I realize that is not the answer you want to hear in this "Age of Instant Gratification" - but it is the answer you need to hear before you waste a bunch of money on a project that currently is DOA.