Leatherstocking revisits New Milford build plan

BY STACI WILSON

The management team of Leatherstocking Natural Gas now thinks it could bring low cost, local gas service to theNew Milfordarea sooner than originally anticipated.

Leatherstocking, a joint venture between Corning Natural Gas and Mirabito Holdings, Inc., has applied to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for a franchise to provide local natural gas service in several municipalities inSusquehannaCounty.

SeveralNew Milfordcouncil members expressed concern that Leatherstocking’s proposed build out might not come to the borough for about five years.

To bring gas service to theNew Milfordarea, Leatherstocking had been looking to connect to the Bluestone Pipeline – construction of which is currently being held up by the state ofNew York.

Leatherstocking reps told New Milford Borough Council on March 1 that they are currently involved in negotiations for a tap-in site that would allow for the company to bring service to the area within nine months of a franchise being granted by the PUC.

Corning Natural Gas CEO Michael German said, “We feel confident we can now connectNew Milfordin short order.”

German also said there were incentive mechanisms the company could put in place to help with residents’ conversion to natural gas service.

Leatherstocking is now looking to construct over five miles of gas line, with theBlue Ridgeschool campus as an anchor and then running through the center ofNew Milfordto the junction of Routes 11 and 706.

Residents and businesses along the line would not be required to hook up to natural gas service, the Leatherstocking reps emphasized.

Russell Miller, Corning Natural Gas, Gas Supply and Marketing vice president said the company would be willing to sit down with the council and work out stipulations and a letter of agreement.

At two public meetings held earlier this year – one at theMontroseHigh Schooland the other at theBlue RidgeHigh School, Leatherstocking planned to begin constructing a natural gas local distribution network in the Hallstead-Great Bend and Montrose areas first, based on existing agreements and availability of tap-in sites along the former Laser (now Williams) pipeline.