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2002 News Releases
Date: May 28, 2002
Gulfstream
Ushers In New Era For Florida Energy
New pipeline with capacity to transport 1.1 billion cubic
feet of natural gas
TAMPA, Fla. - Gulfstream Natural
Gas System, L.L.C., announced today that it has placed into
service its new natural gas pipeline with the capacity to
transport 1.1 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to
growing Florida energy markets. This milestone represents the
availability of the Sunshine State's first new natural gas
source in more than 40 years.
"I am very pleased to announce that Gulfstream Natural Gas
System is now open for business," said Guy Buckley,
Gulfstream senior vice president and general manager, business
functions. "Florida is one of the most robust and
fastest-growing natural gas markets in the country. Our new
pipeline will enhance the reliability of the state's energy
supply, helping ensure the availability of clean-burning natural
gas in a cost-effective manner for many years to come. This is a
historic day for our customers and all Floridians."
Nancy Schultz, Gulfstream senior vice president and general
manager of technical functions added, "This day marks the
culmination of more than three years of systematic planning and
meticulous implementation by literally thousands of people. It
was a tremendous team effort, not only among the Gulfstream
team, but also among the hundreds of federal, state and local
permitting agencies, communities and landowners who have worked
so closely with us throughout this entire process. We would like
to thank all of those individuals and agencies who helped make
this vision a reality. We would like to offer special thanks to
the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for expediting our
in-service approvals so that the pipeline could be placed into
service nearly a week ahead of schedule."
At peak construction a workforce of 2,500 installed 450,000 tons
of pipe, placing nearly one mile per day onshore and three miles
per day offshore. Pipeline construction officially got underway
in June 2001 and lasted just under one year.
The 581-mile pipeline system is the largest natural gas pipeline
in the Gulf of Mexico. The system originates near Pascagoula,
Miss., and Mobile, Ala., crossing the Gulf of Mexico with more
than 430 miles of 36-inch diameter steel pipe to Manatee County,
Fla. Once onshore, 130 miles of pipe, ranging in diameter from
36 inches to 16 inches, cross Manatee, Hardee, Polk and Osceola
counties. Gulfstream will initially supply enough fuel to
generate electricity for some 4.5 million Florida homes.
Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. is a joint venture between
Williams (NYSE:WMB) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK). More information
about the Gulfstream Natural Gas System is available by visiting
the project web site at www.gulfstreamgas.com.
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