The Exponent Telegram
by Austin Weiford

CLARKSBURG — As part of the public comment period for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Supply Header project, the Harrison County Commission has drafted a letter of support for the project and submitted it to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Aaron Ruby, a Dominion spokesperson, said the support of the county commission is significant.

He said the letter will be included along with other public comments in the final environmental impact report, which is scheduled to be released in June.

“It’s not just Harrison County that is in support of this project,” Ruby said. “There are around 15 towns, cities and counties along the entire route of the pipeline that have shown strong support of the project.

“I think that it’s an indication of the strong and broad support for the project across these communities and the recognition of the enormous economic benefits the project will bring to the region, as well as the environmental importance of the project.”

Ron Watson, president of the Harrison County Commission, said he believes the project will bring economic benefits to the region.

“We actually have two pipeline projects coming through Harrison County,” Watson said. “So I think those will help establish a labor force in the area and we’ll see some short-term economic benefits.”

Willie Parker, Harrison County administrator, said the county will also see long-term economic benefits from the projects.

“With the construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, natural gas is going to be able to reach new markets,” Parker said. “Harrison County is one of the top producers of gas in the state, so our local economy will see direct benefits from the new markets.”

Parker also said property taxes paid on the pipeline access will benefit the local area, with the majority of those funds going to the boards of education.

“On the other side of this, some people are concerned about the environmental impact of the pipeline,” Parker said. “In looking at the FERC report, I believe Dominion and its partners are going to build this project in the most environmentally conscious manner possible.”

In their letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the Harrison commissioners say, “We support these projects because of the benefits that will accrue to our economy and communities.”


The commissioners cite a 2014 study by Chmura Economics and Analytics, which concludes that construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will generate nearly $479 million in economic activity in West Virginia, including the support of 3,100 jobs and generation of $54 million in additional tax revenue.

The study projects that the economic advantages of the project will continue once the pipeline becomes operational. Chmura’s analysis indicates that operation of the pipeline will inject $15.6 million in the state on an annual basis.

The commissioners also say in their letter:

“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline and Supply Header project will also help West Virginia fully realize the economic benefits from its thriving shale production industry by increasing the takeaway capacity needed to move gas to meet market demand in other regions. Lack of pipeline infrastructure not only depresses price but also may delay or curtail development of the abundant shale resources needed to fuel the regional and national economy.”

In closing, the letter points out the broader economic benefits of the pipeline projects for West Virginia and other states directly impacted.

“Enhanced access to natural gas will help states and localities attract new commercial and industrial investment,” the commissioners say in the letter. “While greater access to natural gas will also translate to more stable energy prices for homes and businesses by relieving pipeline constraints during periods of high demand.”

Read the full story in The Exponent Telegram