Williams’ Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line had an active day yesterday filing two applications with FERC to expand its eastern pipeline system. Its Momentum expansion project would add 526,000 Dth/d of firm capacity from Station 65 in Louisiana to markets in Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas, and its Leidy East project would make up for the failed Phase III portion of its MarketLink expansion.

The Momentum expansion includes eight new pipeline loops totaling more than 99 miles in or adjacent to existing pipeline rights-of-way. The expansion also includes the addition of over 79,000 hp at existing compressor stations. Compressor station modifications are scheduled to begin in August 2002 with construction of the new pipeline loops following in September. Williams expects the project to be in service in May 2003.

“Momentum represents yet another example of Williams’ commitment to serve the rapidly growing market in the southeastern United States by filing one of its largest mainline expansion projects,” said Gary Lauderdale, senior vice president and general manager of Transco.

The Leidy East project will provide an additional 130,000 Dth/d of firm transportation services from Leidy, PA, to northeastern markets. It would involve constructing six pipeline loops, totaling 31 miles, and adding 3,400 hp of compression in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

“The need for natural gas, from the power generation, commercial and residential markets, has increased significantly in this region of the United States,” said Lauderdale. “As a result we are seeing even more of a demand placed on an already heavily-used pipeline infrastructure. With 130,000 Dth/d of firm contracts underpinning it, Leidy East will provide a more efficient, more environmentally friendly source of energy.”

Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2002. Williams anticipates the Leidy East facilities to be in service by November 2002. Daily GPI April 30

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