MDU Resources Group says it is making progress on its project to build a natural gas pipeline from the existing pipeline system near Mapleton to the Viking Gas Transmission Company pipeline near Felton, Minnesota.
It would be a 38 mile, 16-inch diameter pipeline.
"It's been demand-driven from the start," said MDU Resources spokesman Tony Spilde. "We're getting requests for more natural gas on the system."
Spilde said this project is going to enhance reliability for local distribution companies, from Bismarck to the Viking system near Felton.
"It's going to be a bi-directional flow," Spilde said. "That will enhance the system's reliability."
And Spilde said some other commercial and industrial users are looking for natural gas to expand their facilities.
"We're definitely happy to comply," Spilde said.
MDU Resource’s application is now pending before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
"We're checking the boxes that need to be checked, " Spilde said. "We're talking to landowners and the public, and proceeding towards construction."
Spilde said the plan is to start construction next spring, with line in-service in the fall of 2018.
The project cost: $55 to $60 million.
