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.