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City Utilities starts on pipe renewal made possible with $10 million in federal funds

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City Utilities starts on pipe renewal made possible with million in federal funds

City Utilities is one of 37 utilities nationwide to receive federal grant funds to begin replacing natural gas mains. CU broke ground on the first phase of the replacement program, which focuses on replacing aging natural gas distribution and service lines in Springfield’s Zone 1.

The project is made possible through a $10 million award CU received last year from the U.S. Department of Transportation and Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), according to a CU news release. This money will allow the utility to replace roughly 12 miles of legacy natural gas main in Zone 1. The total $200 million in yearly funding through the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization program was a part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The safety and reliability of the natural gas system is critical, and the ability to replace mains without additional costs for our customers is an economical benefit for the entire community,” CU President and CEO Gary Gibson said in the release, noting that replacement of these mains have been scheduled but can now begin earlier.

The groundbreaking Tuesday marked the start of Phase 1 of CU’s Legacy Pipe Replacement Program. Initial phases of this initiative will contain approximately 38 miles plastic main and 3,300 services. According to the release, CU has applied for additional funding that will support replacement projects across Springfield.

More: Springfield’s City Council will consider changing natural gas rates, bus fares

CU also has received a second grant from the same program. The second $20 million grant will replace more than 25 miles of pipeline and install methane leak detection equipment in other underserved areas of the community, according to PHMSA and as confirmed by CU’s chief spokesperson Joel Alexander.

Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.

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