News Releases

2001 News Releases 

Gulfstream Announces Winners of $100,000 Environmental Grant

TAMPA, Fla. - Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C., today announced the winners of the 2001 Gulfstream Environmental & Recreational Trust program, distributing $100,000 to assist in the development of unique environmental and/or recreational projects near the pipeline route and surrounding communities.

Grant winners are:

City of Auburndale - The "Lake Myrtle Trail" is part of the 126-acre multi-function Lake Myrtle Park in Polk County. Gulfstream funds will be used to purchase amenities such as covered benches, water fountains and receptacles.

Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies - The "Save Florida's Native Bromeliads Project" focuses on the conservation of bromeliads (airplants) through pest management and seed collection. Gulfstream funding will aid the environmental education portion of the project.

Kissimmee Valley Audubon Society - "Project Homestead" will rehabilitate the historic Steffee House on the grounds of the Shingle Creek Recreational Preserve in Kissimmee. The house will be operated as a visitor's education center.

Manatee Riverwalk - The "Manatee Riverwalk" is a recreational venue highlighting the historical and cultural assets of Brandenton and Palmetto. The Riverwalk will create walkways connecting 10th Street in Palmetto with 17th Avenue in Bradenton. Gulfstream funding will aid in the purchase of educational markers along the trail.

Marine Industries Foundation, Inc. - The "Ship for Kids, Floating Classroom" is a work-based learning concept that is being incorporated within the Palm Beach County School District. Gulfstream will provide funds to purchase specialized technical sonar to facilitate scientific research performed aboard the vessel.

Polk County Board of County Commissioners, Natural Resources Division - Gulfstream funds will assist in the construction of a six-foot-wide nature trail at Gator Creek Reserve in Polk County. The trail will improve access to the natural area, offering an opportunity to explore Florida's unique natural landscape.

Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc.- Gulfstream funds will help create a river observation deck and boardwalk on the west side of the Camp Bayou Nature Preserve in Hillsborough County.

"We are proud to contribute to these worthwhile projects in the communities we serve," said Nancy Schultz, Gulfstream senior vice president of technical functions. "The Gulfstream Environmental & Recreational Trust program is an innovative approach Gulfstream developed to demonstrate our commitment to communities and the environment."

The Gulfstream Environmental & Recreational Trust program was created in 2000 to distribute at least $350,000 during the first five years of pipeline operations to benefit communities near the pipeline route. Written grant applications were accepted from Jan. 1 to Sept. 15, 2001.

An Advisory Resource Network consisting of environmental experts met in November to determine which projects would receive funding and how the dollars would be distributed. Grants were awarded based on community need, environmental benefit and ability to complete the project as proposed.

The application deadline for the 2002 Gulfstream Environmental & Recreational Trust program is Sept. 15, 2002. Applications are available on the Gulfstream web site at www.gulfstreamgas.com.

Gulfstream Natural Gas System, L.L.C. is a joint interstate natural gas pipeline development of Williams (NYSE:WMB) and Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK). Construction of the 753-mile pipeline project began June 1, 2001 and is scheduled to be placed into service June 1, 2002.