ALBANY — The New York State Public Service Commission (Commission) today extended the time to submit public comments regarding National Grid’s plans to construct a new 7.3-mile, 16-inch natural gas transmission pipeline in the Town of Bethlehem, Albany County and the Towns of North Greenbush and East Greenbush, Rensselaer County.

On February 1, 2019, National Grid filed a petition with the Commission for a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need, pursuant to Article VII of the Public Service Law, to construct and operate a natural gas transmission pipeline. The project involves the installation of a new 16-inch diameter pipeline and associated facilities, beginning north of National Grid’s Bethlehem Gate Station on River Road in the Town of Bethlehem, and extending northeast to the company’s Troy Gate Station located on Bloomingrove Drive in the Town of North Greenbush. The pipeline is expected to be approximately 7.3 miles long and have a maximum allowable operating pressure of 300 pounds per square inch. The majority of the new pipeline would be constructed within National Grid’s existing right-of-way.

The project would close the Albany Loop, which is an existing National Grid horseshoe shaped transmission line that travels from Troy to Bethlehem. National Grid states that the E37 pipeline is necessary since it would enhance the reliability of the Company’s Eastern New York service territory by allowing for diverse sources of natural gas to enter the distribution system.

Members of the public have submitted written comments requesting an extension of the comment period so that others may have an opportunity to comment on the project. In addition, individuals in attendance at the April 10, 2019 public statement hearing also asked that the project comment period be extended. To comply with those requests, the comment period has been extended 30 days, until May 24, 2019.

Today’s notice may be obtained by going to the Commission Documents section of the Commission’s Web site at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 19-T-0069 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number.” Many libraries offer free Internet access. Commission documents may also be obtained from the Commission’s Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.