Once Phase I is complete, it will set the stage to allow community and Kayenta township customers the option of receiving natural gas to homes and businesses.
The project has been 10 years in the planning, including an extensive and comprehensive right-of-way acquisition. Phase I completion date is set for June 2007.
“This is another milestone project for NTUA; however, more importantly, it’s another extension of our obligation to provide safe and reliable services to customers,” said NTUA Interim General Manager Kenneth L. Craig. “This whole project is about giving customers a safe and lower cost fuel option. They will have that choice once this project is complete.”
Natural gas line construction crews have spent the past three months placing the $400,000 plus, four and one-half mile, four-inch gas main pipeline within community limits.
The project started in early February and continued weekly despite cold weather surges, which often created cold and muddy conditions. According to Nathaniel Redhouse, certified welder, who works with the NTUA Chinle District, despite the challenging weather, progress has continued daily to keep the project on course.
The Kayenta natural gas line project is divided into four phases. Phase I is in the mid-section of the community. Phase II is in the northern residential area, Phase III is in the western residential area, and Phase IV is in the proposed hospital area.