On September 17, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced the award of three grants totaling $2.8 million to extend natural gas service in Bradford, Lancaster, and Lebanon counties under the Pipeline Investment Program.

“These projects will help close the gaps for communities that lack access to natural gas, an issue that impacts living expenses, business operations, and quality of life,” DCED Secretary Dennis Davin said. “The PIPE program allows Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the abundant natural gas resources available throughout the Commonwealth, while saving money, creating jobs, and lowering emissions.”

The projects funded included--

-- Bradford County: Eureka Resources was approved for a $280,000 grant for the expansion of a natural gas pipeline in Standing Stone Township. Currently, Eureka uses liquid propane for onsite heating and HVAC-related needs, and plans to construct a 1,200-foot, 4-inch carbon steel natural gas pipeline to serve their facility. The natural gas pipeline will connect with the Scheffler pipeline and will provide natural gas to 66 acres of developable land. Eureka plans to expand its operations and will create 35 new full-time jobs. Eureka Resources processes drilling wastewater for road spreading and other uses. The total project cost is $560,000.

-- Lancaster County: Oak Tree Development Group was approved for a $154,793 grant to install a distribution pipeline in East Hempfield Township. Oak Tree is planning a mixed-use development, with 125 residential units and approximately 600,000-square-feet of mixed commercial uses, including a medical office, medical facility, and warehouse and distribution space, along with a convenience store, day care center, and club house. At full build out, it is estimated that approximately 1,893 new, permanent jobs will be created. Total project cost is $309,586. 

-- Lebanon County: Eastern Lebanon County School District was approved for a $980,666 grant to extend a natural gas pipeline onto its campus in Jackson Township. The campus is currently heated by propane and oil-fired boilers. By extending the pipeline, the district will reduce emissions and its cost of operations, providing service to seven additional small businesses and several properties in the area. Total project cost is $1,961,332. 

For more information, visit the CFA’s Pipeline Investment Program webpage.  This program has an open application period.

NewsClips:

Meyer: House Republicans Begin Moving Pro-Natural Gas Subsidy Package

Republicans Begin Moving Priority, Pro-Natural Gas Package

PA Republicans Unveil Package Of Proposals To Boost [Natural Gas] Energy Sector, State Economy

Click Here for all of last week’s Environment & Energy NewsClips

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[Posted: September 17, 2019]

9/22/2019