Summit Natural Gas of Maine Announces Contractors and Starts Construction

Gov. Paul LePage celebrates job creation, company’s commitment to communities in Central Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine – Summit Natural Gas of Maine, based in Augusta, announced today the start of construction and contracts with three construction firms to begin the build-out of its $350 million Kennebec Valley natural gas transmission and distribution system. The three contractors include CCB Inc., Tetra Tech and Schmid Pipeline Construction, Inc. Construction is underway in Madison at the intersection of Route 43 and River Road and work crews will begin at other locations this week.

“We’re pleased to announce the signing of our three contractors as they commence construction on this year’s $110 million portion of our Kennebec Valley natural gas transmission and distribution system. This represents the installation of 68 miles of steel pipe and 66 miles of plastic distribution pipe in various communities throughout the region, which creates an estimated 435 jobs during this construction season,” stated Mike Minkos, president of Summit Natural Gas of Maine.

Governor Paul R. LePage, who has supported the expansion of natural gas in the state, commended Summit for using Maine workers on these projects. “I am pleased to see that so many Mainers will be put to work in good-paying jobs on these construction projects, plus more in related projects, such as excavating and paving,” the Governor said. “Maine is fortunate to benefit from this project, which will help lower energy costs and improve the bottom line for our state’s employers.”

CCB Inc., based in Westbrook, Maine, has been selected to construct a portion of the 66 mile high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic distribution system. They have provided general contracting services for more than 67 years. The company has expertise in all phases of general contracting, including construction management and specialty work for their industrial and commercial clients, many that are Fortune 500 companies.

“We are fortunate to be working with CCB Inc., another Maine company, and their employees to assist us in providing a natural gas infrastructure to the citizens of the Kennebec Valley,” said Minkos.

Tetra Tech, based in Pasadena, Calif., was also selected to construct a portion of the plastic distribution system.

Schmid Pipeline Construction, Inc., based in Mayville, Wis., was chosen to construct the 68 miles of steel transmission line which will extend from Richmond to Madison and Skowhegan. Schmid is a leader in the pipeline construction industry with years of experience in constructing long-distance natural gas transmission pipelines. The company also has a variety of other natural gas pipeline experience including construction of compressor and meter stations.

Construction on both the steel transmission line and high-density polyethylene plastic distribution lines will start this week. The project is sequenced so that crews will be working concurrently on the plastic distribution system throughout the Kennebec Valley in several locations. To learn more about the construction project and read updates, visit www.summitnaturalgasmaine.com/construction2013

Summit Utilities, Inc., the parent company of Summit Natural Gas of Maine, operates 20 natural gas districts throughout Colorado and Missouri, and specializes in providing natural gas to areas that are either hard to serve or that aren’t being served. These districts represent approximately 36,000 customers, $260 million dollars in assets, 400 miles of high-pressure steel main lines and approximately 1,500 miles of polyethylene gas main lines.