Huntsville City Council takes first step towards creating natural gas pipeline
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) — On Thursday, the Huntsville City Council approved the creation of the North Alabama Public Energy District. It’s a board with representatives from Huntsville, Athens, and Scottsboro.
Eventually, the board could decide on building a natural gas pipeline across North Alabama.
“Scottsboro and Jackson County are literally at the end of the line with natural gas,” Scottsboro Mayor Jim McCamy said.
Jim McCamy said his city is on the brink of an energy crisis. McCamy told members of the Huntsville City Council that it’s impacting new businesses moving to the city.
“We have actually had to turn some away because we could not support growth with natural gas,” McCamy said.
The Huntsville City Council may have solved that problem.
“We’re in a good position today,” Huntsville Utilities CEO Wes Kelly said.
“Much better than our friends in Jackson County, but we need to think about tomorrow.”
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks appreciates the cooperation between the cities.
“Growth has two things,” Marks said. “One is, it’s fun to talk about. There’s also challenges on how you manage it. Good planning comes with ‘hey, let’s sit at the table, let’s talk about it.”
Kelly said the board has one big long-term goal.
“Ultimately leading to a project, if the project is feasible, then the gas board would be asked to consider a pipeline agreement with the North Alabama Public Energy District,” Kelly said.
Building a natural gas pipeline for the three cities to share. Huntsville uses natural gas from four different pipelines, including a 2-inch pipe on the bottom of the Tennessee River.
Kelly said initial plans for the pipeline would cost “hundreds of millions of dollars.”
With a vote of 3-2, it was met with concerns by Huntsville City Council members.
“There are too many unanswered questions,” Huntsville City Councilwoman Michelle Watkins said. “Too many. And I don’t understand how we can make a decision when we don’t really understand what we’re making a decision on.”
Despite no plans set in stone for the pipeline and little to no board oversight from city leaders, the 30-year contract was approved, and now the energy district can start planning.
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