On January 22, the Commonwealth Financing Authority announced the approval of four Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) grants totalling $2.3 million to support the extension of natural gas pipeline service to households and businesses in Chester, Monroe, and Northampton counties.
“Pennsylvania has an abundance of natural gas resources available, and the PIPE program helps bridge the access divide, enabling more Pennsylvanians to take advantage of those resources and savings,” said DCED Secretary Dennis Davin. “These projects will help reduce living expenses in impacted communities across the commonwealth that currently lack access to natural gas.”
Supported through the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE), the CFA provides grants to construct the last few miles of natural gas lines to businesses, 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 include:
-- Chester County: The Center County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) was approved for a $1.5 million grant to extend a natural gas line by three miles in Elk Township. CCEDC is partnering with a mushroom farming operation in Elk Township to increase mushroom production and create 500 new jobs. The construction of the pipeline will allow current businesses and future residential properties to tap into the line. The total project cost is $4,519,750.
-- Monroe County: Pocono Mountain Industries, Inc., was approved for a $231,110 grant for the extension of natural gas service to an expansion building for Vigon International, a manufacturer of flavor, fragrance, personal care, and nutraceutical ingredients. Vigon will invest more than $11 million into the project and create an additional 75 jobs while maintaining its current workforce of 125 employees. The total project cost is $462,221.
-- Monroe County: Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation was approved for a $324,061 grant for the extension of natural gas service to five to ten businesses and 232 residential properties that are not currently served in Stroud Township. The total project cost is $648,123.
-- Northampton County: Lehigh Valley Economic Investment Corporation was approved for a $249,229 grant for the extension of natural gas service to five to ten businesses and 138 residential properties that are not currently served in Bethlehem Township. The total project cost is $498,459.
Visit the CFA’s Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) webpage for more information. Applications can be submitted at any time.
[Posted: January 22, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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