Pipeline Discussion at Lunenburg High School

DISCUSS PIPELINE 
August 5 at 7 PM in Lunenburg 



On Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at 7:00 p.m., State Legislators and the Nashoba Valley of Chamber of Commerce will host a public forum, for impacted communities in the region, to discuss the proposed Northeast Energy Direct gas pipeline expansion project at the Lunenburg High School auditorium.
 
The purpose of the public forum is for state elected and local officials, residents, and business owners to share information and coordinate efforts on the issue.  The legislators believe it is crucial for all impacted residents and municipalities to have an abundance of information, and understand the characteristics of the pipeline, such as its route, and what land it would affect, in order to make decisions concerning the project.  The discussion is open to all members of the public.
 
“This is an important regional issue,” said Representative Benson (D-Lunenburg).  “All residents and business owners in the area will be impacted one way or another, and I think it is important that both state officials and local officials are briefed on the issue in order to discuss with residents and allow them to make informed decisions.”
 
Representative Harrington (R-Groton) said, "This forum will give elected officials at all levels of government an opportunity to have a productive, inclusive conversation with the citizens of the region about how Kinder Morgan's planned pipeline would affect our lives, our property values, and our businesses. We hope to come out of the forum more informed, more organized, and more prepared.”
Representative DiNatale (D-Fitchburg) said, “I have many questions and concerns about the pipeline proposal such as acquisition of land and costs.  I can only hope that our rate payers residing in the North Central Region of the state will benefit from this project."
 
“This forum will be one of many opportunities for residents, business leaders, and other community members to gather and share information about this large scale proposal,” said Senator Flanagan (D-Leominster).  “I encourage all interested parties to attend and learn more about this potential project and the energy needs of the Commonwealth.”
Melissa Fetterhoff, President & CEO of the Nashoba Valley Chamber of Commerce said, “We hope the community will attend this forum to learn more about the proposed pipeline and the potential impacts.  The more information gathered and shared the better chance there is of an outcome that is the right one for this region.”
 
A natural gas company, based out of Houston, Kinder Morgan, has proposed the Tennessee Gas Pipeline Northeast Energy Direct Project, which would expand an existing pipeline system.  The proposal includes expanding a natural gas pipeline in Pennsylvania, through New York, and into the Massachusetts border in the Berkshires. The preliminary route of the pipeline would extend through forty-four Massachusetts municipalities, ending in Dracut.  A representative from Kinder Morgan will be present at the forum to provide information on the proposed pipeline.
 
Event details:
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Lunenburg High School Auditorium
1079 Massachusetts Avenue
Lunenburg, MA 01462