Today, NIPSCO announces company plans to invest an estimated $209 million dollars to bolster its natural gas transmission system in Cass, Howard, and Miami County. This expansion will provide additional energy capacity to the recent development of the StarPlus Energy joint venture battery manufacturing facility in the City of Kokomo. The new natural gas system installment is to include approximately 18.5 miles of new 24” steel pipeline, 1,500 feet of 16” steel pipeline, upgrades to include advanced valve settings to the station in the town of Walton, and one new combined customer station with dual natural gas supplies in the City of Kokomo. NIPSCO estimates construction of work to begin in late February and last through November 2023, reminding residents that all planned construction schedules are dependent on weather.
This project will extend an array of benefits to the community including the opportunity for future industrial, business, and residential growth in the area. Large scale infrastructure projects also provide direct, positive economic benefits due to the use of hundreds of local union and trade employees to complete the work.
“Supporting economic growth is a key part of NIPSCO’s business as a utility and we have experienced fast-paced growth in new business and residential expansion in communities served,” said Mike Hooper, NIPSCO President. “Providing a safe, reliable source of energy to large industries opens the door for employment opportunities and builds the framework for future regional economic opportunities.” NIPSCO’s project work is an integral piece of this new joint venture operation and will have a positive economic impact on families, who are the fabric of our local communities. We are proud to serve northern Indiana families as a leading utility and continue to work for the betterment of our communities.”
Project Construction Information:
The safety of residents and on-site crew members during the construction of this project is a top priority for NIPSCO. As a result of this work, lane and road closures are expected and the company would like to remind travelers to drive with caution around all construction zones.
Due to the possibility of inclement weather, please stay alert when driving, follow the directions on posted traffic signs as well as on-site crew members, slow down near marked construction, and do not drive through or park in marked
construction zone areas. Following these simple rules can help you and the on-site crew members return home safely each day.
The new pipeline will be installed in public right-of-way along the following roads: US 35 south-bound starting just north of E County Road 500 S, traveling south and crossing over on north-bound S County Road 600 E, traveling south past the town of Walton on E County Road 800 S east-bound, crossing back to US 35 south-bound to E County Road 1225 S north-bound, traveling to S County Road 1250 S north-bound, before entering onto State Road 18 west-bound, traveling to US 31/931 south-bound into the City of Kokomo. Please note, that there may be additional area locations impacted by construction in the surrounding areas and please travel with caution near these listed locations.
NIPSCO and its trusted contracted partner, NPL, will be performing the work on this project and all employees will be driving marked vehicles as well as carry a photo ID to assist in proper identification while working in the community.
NIPSCO thanks the community for its patience as this important natural gas expansion work is completed and will continue to work with local officials and INDOT to minimize direct impact to residents.
To learn more about the new pipeline expansion project, visit www.NIPSCO.com/Projects.
