A multimillion-dollar investment in Columbia’s natural gas infrastructure is expected to strengthen service reliability, support future industrial growth and pave the way for new jobs,.
The city’s most recent announcement includes approval of an economic development grant package that will fund a $2 million project with the city providing less than $10,000.
This project is for an investment of the construction of a four-inch and six-inch gas line that will replace existing line for an increase in volume on Greensburg Road.
“Over the past several years, we have continued to work on funding opportunities that will expand the gas utility service in our area,” said Mayor Pam Hoots. “The City of Columbia Gas Department provides the service inside the city limits as well as the service that is in large parts of the county.”
Various expansions have occurred over the past few years, including Russell Road, East 80 Estates, Green Hills Subdivision, and Greensburg Road. Several old lines have also been replaced to improve safety and security of the system according to Jerry Watson, gas department superintendent.
Watson said the city has also applied for a Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration grant. If approved, the grant will fund replacement of the original bare steel lines that were put in during the early 1950s.
The city also received an Appalachian Regional Commission grant that was used for a new regulator station to move a gas line and add new gas lines to the new Don Franklin Ford location. It also provided a backup to the county school campus and added additional residential coverage.
“We continue to look for ways to provide better service to our residents,” said Hoots.
