Gov. Tom Wolf Tuesday announced the Commonwealth Financing Authority has opened the new Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) for applications, offering up to $24 million funding to make Pennsylvania’s natural gas available to its residents, manufacturers, and pad-ready sites, hastening the development of low-cost energy and creating new jobs.

Administered by the CFA and funded through the reallocation of two fiscal years of funding from a previously underutilized program, the PIPE program will offer grants of up to $1 million for pipeline project expenses including construction; acquisition of land, rights of way, and easements; land clearing and preparation; and engineering, design, and inspection costs.

Applicants must provide matching funds equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost.

Applicants eligible for PIPE funding include:

-- Businesses: A corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, limited liability company, business trust or other CFA-approved commercial entity;

-- Economic Development Organizations: A nonprofit corporation or association whose purpose is the enhancement of economic conditions in their community;

-- Hospitals: An entity licensed to provide inpatient care and services under either the Public Welfare Code or the Health Care Facilities Act;

-- Municipalities: Any city, township, borough, town, county, or home rule municipality; and

-- School Districts.

“Pennsylvania boasts tremendous natural gas resources, and it makes sense that our residents should benefit from the assets right under their feet,” said Gov. Wolf. “Doing so will also have a significant impact on the economic well-being of the Commonwealth by creating jobs and making low-cost natural gas more readily available.”

“Since day one Gov. Wolf has advocated for the creation of this program, and today we’re finally able to celebrate its opening,” said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin. “Encouraging the construction of natural gas distribution pipelines projects by eligible applicants – ranging from hospitals and school districts to business parks and existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises – the Pipeline Investment Program will help Pennsylvania fully realize the benefits of its vast energy resources.”

“The Pipeline Investment Program was created by the General Assembly in order to enable even more residents to benefit from Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry.  It has the potential to further reduce energy costs for homes and businesses,” said Sen. John Yudichak (D-Luzerne), Minority Chair of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee. “Pennsylvania is blessed by ample energy resources including natural gas. Saving money on energy helps businesses and families balance their budgets.  It’s essential that we do more to make accessibility to low cost energy more available so costs can be reduced.”

Click Here for program guidelines.  There is a $100 nonrefundable application fee.

The first PIPE approvals are anticipated for early 2017. 

For more information, visit the CFA’s Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) webpage.

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11/7/2016