Words and Images by Jenny Lynn Davis
On August 20, the City of Cordova celebrated a significant milestone with the groundbreaking of a natural gas pipeline replacement project aimed at modernizing the city’s aging infrastructure.
The project, funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will replace six miles of outdated cast iron and steel pipelines with more durable plastic ones.
This upgrade is expected to enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and significantly cut methane emissions in the area.
Mayor Jeremy Pate expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “This is a big day for Cordova. It means enhanced safety, lower risk for gas leaks and explosions, improved reliability, and reduced maintenance costs.”
Pate emphasized that, without this grant, replacing these old lines could have taken another 20 years. “This grant is a game-changer for our community,” Pate added, noting the long-term benefits the project will bring to the city’s natural gas system.
Twinkle Cavanaugh, President of the Alabama Public Service Commission, also spoke at the ceremony, highlighting the significance of the grant.
“The federal government gave out $200 million through this program, and Cordova is receiving 1.5% of that—it’s absolutely amazing,” she said. “To those involved in making this possible for the Cordova community, thank you. These new pipelines will help keep the community safe.”
James Urisko, Southern Region Director for the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), echoed these sentiments, noting the project’s broader implications.
“Today, we celebrate more than just a groundbreaking. We’re supporting work that will improve this city’s safety and environment,” Urisko said.
He explained that the Biden-Harris administration launched this grant program to address the challenges posed by aging infrastructure nationwide. “The initiative is about more than just upgrading pipelines—it’s about protecting communities, reducing environmental impact, and creating jobs that will enhance the local economy.” WL
