SUNBURY – Land owners, public officials, and local union leaders gathered to learn more about the proposed Sunbury Pipeline. UGI hosted the event at the Sunbury Social Club to allow the public to learn more about the project.
Many of the nearly 300 attendees were land owners who may be affected by the 35 mile pipeline. They were able to meet with land agents who were on hand to answer specific questions about each property. Information booths addressed environmental impact, engineering, safety concerns as well as the project timeline and federal regulatory application process.
With more than 1,500 potential jobs on the line, members of several labor unions attended to show support for both the Sunbury Pipeline and the Hummel Station power plant. Scott Heitzman of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers says both projects will be important for many area laborers. “Here at the meeting tonight there’s all kind of trades here plumbers, pipefitters, iron workers, laborers. It’s all a great opportunity for us to employ our people not only short term, but also long term.”
In addition to Wednesday’s information session, public meetings will be held in the coming months to allow both supporters and opponents of the pipeline to express their opinions. UGI expects to submit an application to the federal energy regulatory commission this summer. (Jennifer Wakeman)