Northeast Supply Enhancement project estimated to create $327 million economic impact, support 3,000 jobs
Williams Partners L.P. released this week the results of a Rutgers University study examining the impact of the proposed Northeast Supply Enhancement project on the economies of Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.
The nearly $1 billion energy infrastructure project is designed to increase natural gas deliveries to New York City in time for the 2019/2020 winter heating season.
The study, which was commissioned by Williams Partners, found that the design and construction of the project would create approximately $327 million in additional economic activity (GDP) in the three states. The researchers at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy also found that the one-year construction period would create 3,186 jobs and an estimated $234 million in labor income.
“This broad analysis conducted by Rutgers University researchers clearly shows the economic ripples that are created by such a significant investment in the region’s energy infrastructure,” Phil Beachem, president of the NJ Alliance for Action, said. “Besides the clear environmental benefits of increased natural gas utilization, this project will offer an economic boost to the region by generating hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and supporting more than 3,000 good-paying jobs.”
Once the pipeline enters operation, it is projected to generate approximately $11.1 million in additional annual local property taxes paid by Williams to local municipal and county governments.
The proposed project, an expansion of the existing Transco pipeline to boost natural gas deliveries to National Grid, was filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in March 2017. The project’s design includes approximately 10 miles of pipe in Pennsylvania, three miles of pipe in New Jersey, 23 miles of pipe offshore in New Jersey and New York state waters, a new compressor facility in New Jersey, and additional horsepower at an existing Pennsylvania compressor facility.
