The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recently awarded $196 million in Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grants to 37 projects in 19 states.
The program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide nearly $1 billion over five years to modernize municipally and community-owned natural gas distribution pipes. The goal is to reduce methane emissions from natural gas distribution pipes, protect public health, and improve public safety.
“Investments in pipeline safety are investments in community safety and our shared environment,” PHMSA Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown said. “For far too long, underserved communities have had to bear the brunt of aging and dangerous pipelines. This funding will finally give communities the resources they need to replace legacy pipelines — improving safety, protecting the environment, and creating jobs.”
This round of funding will repair, replace, or rehabilitate nearly 270 miles of pipe, reducing methane emissions by approximately 212 metric tons annually.
Department of Transportation officials will deliver the grant funding to more than 20 communities starting this week as part of President Joe Biden’s Invest in America Tour.
The Investing in America agenda aims to rebuild infrastructure, create a manufacturing and innovation boom, and build a clean-energy economy.