submitted by Rich Crist
Rensselaer County Legislators Alex Shannon and Judith Breselor said they would like applicants for a major gas pipeline proposed to be routed through southern Rensselaer County to schedule a public forum on the project in the County.
[private]Along with a proposal by project applicant Kinder Morgan, also known as Tennessee Gas Pipeline, both Shannon and Breselor said they would also like a resident group formed in response to the project to be included in the public forum.
A major gas pipeline is proposed to be routed through the towns of Schodack, Nassau and Stephentown. Along with the gas lines, the project also includes a major compressor station that may be located in Schodack.
“This is a project that has already drawn a significant amount of attention from residents. We want to help get as much information out to the public so they are fully informed on this important issue,” said Shannon.
There have been a number of public forums on the project both by Kinder Morgan and the resident group that have drawn sizable crowds. A public forum scheduled by Kinder Morgan in Schodack earlier this month was cancelled due to a snow storm.
“There is the potential for a significant impact to areas of southern Rensselaer County and we would like the applicant to host a public forum and make a detailed presentation right here in Rensselaer County. We also believe it would be useful for a resident group that has done significant research to be heard as well at the same forum,” said Breselor.
Shannon and Breselor offered use of the chambers of the County Legislature for the joint hearing on the proposed pipeline project.
Shannon chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Committee, on which Breselor serves as a member. Both legislators attended a public forum on the project at the Nassau Sportsmen’s Club on Saturday sponsored by a resident group.[/private]