The US Government has announced USD 196 million in grants for the repair, replacement, and rebuilding of 270 miles of gas distribution pipes. 37 projects will receive funding over the course of five years.

Mr. Pete Buttigieg, the US Transportation Secretary, along with the US Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has announced the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program. Over the course of five years, USD 1 billion shall be disbursed in grants to 37 projects for the modernization of municipal and community-owned natural gas distribution pipes. The grants shall aid repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of nearly 270 miles of pipe, thereby reducing methane emissions by approximately 212 metric tons, annually.

Mr. Buttigieg commented, “This funding to modernize our gas pipelines will help protect residents from dangerous leaks, create good-paying jobs, and reduce methane emissions in communities across the nation, particularly in rural and underserved areas.”

Mr. Tristan Brown, PHMSA Deputy Administrator, said, “Investments in pipeline safety are investments in community safety and our shared environment. For far too long, underserved communities have had to bear the brunt of aging and dangerous pipelines. This funding will finally give communities the resources they need to replace legacy pipelines— improving safety, protecting the environment, and creating jobs.”

Also Read: IGL Signs MoU with Green Energy Group ACME for Green Hydrogen Business Opportunities

The grant is a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, which is attracting investments to rebuild the US infrastructure, create a manufacturing and innovation boom, and build a clean-energy economy to combat climate change and make resident communities safer and more resilient.