Norman

El Paso Corp.’s Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. (TGP) has struck two long-term contracts for service on its MPP project, which is intended to improve takeaway capacity from the Marcellus Shale through expansion of TGP’s 300 Line in Pennsylvania.

The Interstate Natural Gas Association of America (INGAA) has alerted Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta that it has re-established a “Cold-War vintage” task force to oversee the security and safety of interstate natural gas pipelines in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist strikes.

Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has announced that $3.6 million in grants will be awarded for 24 projects in 14 states to assist in the prevention of third-party damage to pipelines and other underground facilities.

CMS Energy Corp. announced Norman J. Saari has been promoted to executive director of governmental and international affairs, with responsibility for managing the company’s Washington, DC governmental affairs office. Saari, 52, will succeed David G. Mengebier, who becomes senior vice president of governmental and public affairs effective Aug. 1, 2001, upon the retirement of John W. Clark. CMS said Saari had been executive director of state governmental affairs, heading up Consumers Energy’s Lansing, MI, governmental affairs office. In addition, Jacalyn H. Hadden, 45, has been promoted to director of state governmental affairs, succeeding Saari. Hadden had been state legislative representative in Lansing, reporting to Saari, since 1991.

Calgary, AB-based Alliance Pipeline and Aux Sable LiquidProducts said Norman R. Gish has replaced Dennis W. Cornelson aspresident and CEO effective immediately.