$122 Million Natural Gas Storage Project Gets Go-Ahead

Construction is set to begin on a 12-billion-cubic-foot underground gas-storage field jointly owned by NiSource Inc. and Piedmont Natural Gas Co. Federal regulators have given approval for the $122 million project, which should begin operation in the spring of 2007. The new company, Hardy Storage Co., will convert an existing production field and facilities in Hardy and Hampshire counties. The field is designed to deliver up to 176 million cubic feet of gas per day and involves the construction of nearly 37 miles of pipeline. Columbia Gas Transmission Corp., a subsidiary of Merrillville, Ind.-based NiSource, will operate the field.