For Immediate Release
SPRINGFIELD, NJ, FEB 23, 2011 – Operating engineers Local 825 praised Spectra Energy (NYSE SE) for its update to the Jersey City Council last evening on its proposal to build a natural gas pipeline through parts of the city.
“We were pleased that at least half of the people who attended tonight’s meeting support the project, which would be a boost to the local economy and job opportunities,” said Greg Lalevee, Local 825’s business manager.
Although not open to public comment, many local residents and workers attended to hear of additional accommodations Spectra has made in response to previously voiced local concerns.
“Spectra has spent nearly a year in more than 300 community meetings to address public concerns,” said Lalevee. “Their numerous accommodations have addressed issues ranging from pipeline thickness to security.”
Based in Houston, TX, Spectra Energy is awaiting approval of its application to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to expand its existing pipeline to deliver critically needed natural gas to high-demand areas of northern New Jersey and New York City.
Local 825 has urged FERC to approve the application and also has met with local officials, expressing support of the project and what it would mean for local business and employment opportunities.
Local 825 is headquartered in Springfield, N.J., and represents members throughout the state and in five counties of lower New York: Rockland, Orange, Ulster, Sullivan and Delaware. Its operating engineers run heavy-equipment – such as bulldozers, surface graders, backhoes, loaders and cranes – to execute large construction tasks and earthworks operations.
Contact
Greg Lalevee
Business Manager, Local 825
(973) 671-6900
PR Contact
Bill Carlos
Avow Communications
(908) 499-7862