Pipeline grants approved for two local construction projects

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) announced this week that several applications through the Pipeline Investment Program (PIPE) were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority to install natural gas lines to construction projects, including in Lancaster and Lebanon counties.

Created in November 2016, PIPE was designed to provide grants to help construct the last few miles of natural gas lines to business parks and existing manufacturing and industrial enterprises, officials said. Eligible applicants include businesses, economic development organizations, hospitals, municipalities and school districts.

“These projects will help close the gaps for communities that lack access to natural gas, an issue that impacts living expenses, business operations, and quality of life,” said Dennis Davin, DCED secretary. “The PIPE program allows Pennsylvanians to take advantage of the abundant natural gas resources available throughout the commonwealth, while saving money, creating jobs and lowering emissions.”

In Lancaster County, East Hempfield Township-based Oak Tree Development Group was approved for a $154,793 grant to install a distribution pipeline near a mixed-use development the firm wants to build near Harrisburg Pike and State Road in the township. Plans call for a development with 125 residential units and approximately 600,000-square-feet of mixed commercial uses, including a medical office, medical facility and warehouse and distribution space. The total projected cost for the pipeline project is $309,586.  

In Lebanon County, the Eastern Lebanon County School District was approved for a $980,666 grant to extend a natural gas pipeline onto its campus in Jackson Township. The campus is currently heated by propane and oil-fired boilers, but by extending a pipeline, the district anticipates reducing emissions and costs of operation. The project, which is expected to cost a total of $1,961,332, will also provide natural gas service to seven additional small businesses and several properties in the area.