On July 14, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded two Pipeline Investment Program grants for just over $1 million to expand the use of natural gas in Monroe and Snyder counties.

Though Pennsylvania has a vast network of natural gas pipeline infrastructure, some areas require funding assistance to construct the “last mile” of the pipeline to extend that network to and residents.

Created in November 2016, PIPE provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises, which will result in the creation of new jobs in the Commonwealth while providing access to natural gas for residents.

Applicants eligible for PIPE funding include businesses, economic development organizations, hospitals, municipalities, and school districts.

The approved projects are as follows--

Monroe County

Pocono Mountains Industrial Park Authority (PIMA) was approved for a $565,531 grant to extend a natural gas line in Coolbaugh Township, and the Borough of Mount Pocono, in Monroe County.

The proposed project will extend natural gas to serve lots 24-27 in the Pocono Mountain Corporate Center South, which sits on 59-acres. The project will extend an existing four-inch natural gas main 3,00 linear feet from Industrial Park Drive and along Bensinger Court to serve lots 24-27.

Lot 24 will be the site of Project Road Runner, a 220,000 sq. ft. co-pack distribution facility that will be completed within 18 months. This project will attract $25 million in private investments and create 25 full-time jobs.

Additionally, the natural gas extension will make lots 26 and 27 more marketable. It is anticipated that collectively this project will result in the creation of 100 new jobs. The total project cost is $ 1,178,336. PIMPA will contribute $612,805.

Snyder County

The Susquehanna Industrial Development Corporation was approved for a $471,902 grant to extend a gas line in Middlecreek Township, Snyder County.

The Susquehanna Industrial Development Corporation has partnered with UGI to install 1,950 ft. of gas in the Village of Hummels Warf, and 1,400 ft. of gas in the Village of Kreamer.

The gas line will provide natural gas to Bingaman & Son Lumber, Inc., – a large wood and lumber plant. – The plant employs 250 people and is looking to switch to a clean-burning energy source to continue to provide locally-sourced wood products.

Additionally, the extension will clear a bottle neck allowing for future growth in the Pawling Station Business Park and the Peachey Industrial Park. The total project cost is $995,030, and UGI will contribute $523,128 in matching funds.

Visit the CFA Pipeline Investment Program webpage for more information on this program which accepts applications year round.

Related Articles:

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-- Senate Committee Moves Bill Requiring Pipeline Companies To Make Emergency Plans Available

-- Delaware RiverKeeper Files Legal Challenge To Section 401 Federal Clean Water Act Permitting Rollback

-- Senate, House Pass New Tax Credit Program To Encourage Natural Gas Use In Manufacturing; Governor Will Sign

[Posted: July 14, 2020]

7/20/2020