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Construction on a natural gas pipeline in Wayne County could potentially provide a much needed boost to area businesses, a local business leader said.
Donna LaBar, executive director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, said the arrival of workers in the area “should be a shot in the arm for local businesses.”
About 150-175 workers are expected to arrive in March to begin work on the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, which spans 14,000 miles from the Mexican border to Canada, passing through several Mid-West and Mid-Atlantic states, including the northern tier of Pennsylvania.
“I think it will certainly mean an economic boost for the area,” LaBar said. “They will be doing business with local businesses. It’s a positive thing.”
The number of workers is expected to increase to almost 500 workers, which could potentially lead to employment for local workers, she added.
Mary Beth Wood, executive director for the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), said the influx is welcome because the workers will need to utilize local services.
“I think its fair to say that whether temporary employees are hired here or the company brings in their own workforce, I would expect to see monies coming into the county for basic services and personal needs,” she said. “The infusion of capital would be welcome.”
The Wayne County Job Training center and Wayne County CareerLink Service have not yet been approached by the company about job postings or job fairs, Wood said.
Jim Petorak, general manager of the Hotel Wayne, said he has discussed arrangements with representatives of the company, who he said alluded to the fact that there will be hundreds of workers that would need lodging.
“The more occupancy the better,” Petorak said.
The existing pipeline, a major transporter of gas, was first laid through the region in 1950’s.
El Paso Corporation, of Houston, Tx., will construct a second pipeline next to the pre-existing one, in order to enhance transmission capacity for natural gas.
About 127.4 miles of new 30-inch diameter pipeline loop is planned, with a 17.8-mile section proposed in Wayne County, referred to as Loop 321.
An environmental assessment of the proposed expansion, completed in March 2010, found that no significant impact can be expected. The study was performed by staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
A spokesman for El Paso Corp. could not be reached for comment.
Construction on a natural gas pipeline in Wayne County could potentially provide a much needed boost to area businesses, a local business leader said.
Donna LaBar, executive director of the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, said the arrival of workers in the area “should be a shot in the arm for local businesses.”
About 150-175 workers are expected to arrive in March to begin work on the Tennessee Gas Pipeline, which spans 14,000 miles from the Mexican border to Canada, passing through several Mid-West and Mid-Atlantic states, including the northern tier of Pennsylvania.
“I think it will certainly mean an economic boost for the area,” LaBar said. “They will be doing business with local businesses. It’s a positive thing.”
The number of workers is expected to increase to almost 500 workers, which could potentially lead to employment for local workers, she added.
Mary Beth Wood, executive director for the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO), said the influx is welcome because the workers will need to utilize local services.
“I think its fair to say that whether temporary employees are hired here or the company brings in their own workforce, I would expect to see monies coming into the county for basic services and personal needs,” she said. “The infusion of capital would be welcome.”
The Wayne County Job Training center and Wayne County CareerLink Service have not yet been approached by the company about job postings or job fairs, Wood said.
Jim Petorak, general manager of the Hotel Wayne, said he has discussed arrangements with representatives of the company, who he said alluded to the fact that there will be hundreds of workers that would need lodging.
“The more occupancy the better,” Petorak said.
The existing pipeline, a major transporter of gas, was first laid through the region in 1950’s.
El Paso Corporation, of Houston, Tx., will construct a second pipeline next to the pre-existing one, in order to enhance transmission capacity for natural gas.
About 127.4 miles of new 30-inch diameter pipeline loop is planned, with a 17.8-mile section proposed in Wayne County, referred to as Loop 321.
An environmental assessment of the proposed expansion, completed in March 2010, found that no significant impact can be expected. The study was performed by staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
A spokesman for El Paso Corp. could not be reached for comment.
