MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) — The South System Expansion 4 Project, if approved, will increase natural gas capacity in the Southeast by an additional 1.3 billion cubic feet per day.
On Tuesday evening, landowners had the chance to learn more about the project at an open house held at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Tuskegee.
The proposed $3 billion project is backed by Kinder Morgan, one of the largest energy infrastructure companies in the U.S. If the project is approved, it is expected to be operational between 2028 and 2029.
According to Allen Fore, Kinder Morgan’s vice president of public affairs, Alabama Power has expressed the need for increased natural gas capacity to meet the demand for the next 20 to 30 years.
Kinder Morgan currently operates approximately 3,000 miles of pipelines across Alabama. The company transports about 40% of the natural gas consumed in the U.S.
“This expansion is meant to serve homes, businesses, and manufacturing in the Southeast, including Alabama,” said Fore. “It has a specific purpose.”
The expansion will occur along existing pipeline routes, as shown in the project map. Red lines indicate new pipelines added parallel to existing ones, known as loop lines. The squares represent modifications to compressor stations, which boost the pressure of natural gas to keep it flowing efficiently.
“We have long-standing relationships with landowners, some of whom have worked with us for generations,” Fore added. “This history is crucial for the success of the project.”
Joe Whitt, one of the landowners involved, shared his positive experience with the company. “Everything has been fantastic, no problem. I don’t anticipate any problems going forward,” he said. “We’re just looking for details on how much space will be needed and when the construction will begin.”
Landowners whose property is affected by the pipeline will receive compensation. The company assures that no one will be forced to relocate due to the project.
The expansion will span 279 miles of existing infrastructure. Another open house is scheduled for Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Autauga Academy.
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