Project would upgrade natural gas infrastructure between Belpre, Marietta

BELPRE -- Belpre officials received some potentially positive news Monday night which may allow the city to expand its commercial and residential sectors.

Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards, R-94th District, appeared before Belpre City Council at Monday's meeting to announce that Ohio's Public Utilities Commission is expected to approve a project in mid-March which will improve and expand the natural gas infrastructure between Belpre and Marietta, resulting in an upgrade to the infrastructure serving the Belpre community.

The city of Belpre, due to its location at the end of the natural gas pipelines serving this section of southeast Ohio and Washington County, has been affected by a bottleneck consisting of older and smaller lines and lower natural gas pressure. The city has experienced problems getting approval for new home and commercial construction and development because of the lack of available natural gas service.

In one instance, one of the city's newest fast food franchises was unable to get approval for a natural gas hookup and had to use tanks to serve its needs, according to Mayor Mike Lorentz.

Edwards said Dominion Gas is expected to invest $8 million-$10 million in new piping and possibly a pumping station. The company submitted an application for approval of the infrastructure improvement project in February.

"We got news from the Public Utilities Commission that that plan is going to be approved on March 14 so that $8-$10 million project will open up that bottleneck from here to Marietta and turning up the pressure," he said.

"We're going to have a lot more gas coming in," Edwards said, adding the project will not cost the city of Belpre any money.

"It's very, very good news," he said.

"I wouldn't be here telling you this unless I was fairly confident that it was going to happen," Edwards told Belpre residents attending Monday's meeting. "I will follow up with mayor and council to make sure on March 15 whether we can have a little party down here. It's just really exciting and took a lot of work."

Edwards said the plan calls for installation of new gas pipelines and new equipment to improve the amount and pressure of natural gas which can be provided to the Belpre area.

The news drew applause from those attending the meeting. Lorentz said the news is very positive for the Belpre community.

In other business, Lorentz presented a proclamation recognizing March as Rotary Month in Belpre to members of the Belpre Rotary Club and recognized the club, its members and the contributions they make locally, nationally and internationally.

Safety-Service Director Ron Cross said American Electric Power is making plans for tree trimming and cutting operations in the spring in the city of Belpre. AEP representatives will be visiting the city in March and April to review the company's utility rights of way and determine what trees may be affected.

The company will contact property owners with affected trees by phone, by home visit and in other ways, he said. The trimming operations are expected to take place in April and May, Cross said.

Council's finance committee will meet at 6 p.m. today to continue annual budget discussions, with the focus being on the police department and the water and sewer department. The economic development committee will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday.

Council approved the first reading of a resolution authorizing the safety-service director to execute a contract with the Washington Soil and Water Conservation District.