Governor McDonnell Applauds Corporate Assistance with 12-Mile Natural Gas Pipeline Project

KING WILLIAM - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced a 12-mile natural gas pipeline project along U.S. Route 360 in King William County. Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling joined business and government leaders today on the Governor’s behalf to break ground at the project site. Area corporations, including Virginia Natural Gas and Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, are joining with the Commonwealth to help fund the $6.5 million investment. The new infrastructure for King William County will allow Virginia Natural Gas to serve the County for the first time. The gas pipeline will aid King William’s future economic success, serving Nestlé Purina’s Tidy Cats® cat litter manufacturing facility, other companies in the region, and area residents.

“This project represents commitment and collaboration at its best,” said Governor McDonnell. “The new natural gas pipeline improves upon the region’s infrastructure, providing for more economic development opportunities in an area of need. It will greatly improve the marketability of sites along the Route 360 corridor, which includes an area targeted for growth in the County’s comprehensive plan, and it will assist Nestlé Purina in its ongoing energy efficiency efforts."

The natural gas pipeline will start at the end of the existing trunk line in Hanover County at the intersection of U.S. Route 360 and Walnut Grove Road. It will turn off of Rt. 360 at Mount Pleasant Road and end at the Nestlé Purina facility in Fontainebleu Industrial Park. Construction will begin in May and be completed by the end of the year.

Lieutenant Governor Bolling said, “I have been working on this project since my days in the State Senate, and I am delighted that at long last we can announce that it is moving forward. This project will be of great benefit to Nestle Purina’s manufacturing facility in King William County, but it will also enhance the County’s economic development opportunities in many other areas. I wish to express my thanks to everyone who worked hard to make this project a reality, and especially to Nestle Purina and King William County who never wavered in their commitment to see this project through to completion."

Delegate Chris Peace also commented, “As a state representative of King William County, I am proud to have played a role in facilitating this agreement to enhance utility infrastructure. Bringing a low cost, efficient and clean source of energy will allow for greater investments to existing business and opportunities for new economic development in the county. The natural result will be more jobs and progress for King William and her residents."

Nestlé Purina also will make significant investments in equipment upgrades at the plant that will reduce emissions and improve the plant’s operating efficiency. Nestlé Purina, which has operated the Tidy Cats® facility in King William since 1998, employs about 160 people at its Fontainebleau Industrial Park plant.

“Nestlé Purina is pleased to play a key role in the installation of this gas line in King William County,” said Mike Broz, Nestlé Purina Plant Manager. “We look forward to the economic benefits this will provide to area residents and businesses, including our facility and our associates. A healthy and strong local economy is a win-win for everybody.”

Virginia Natural Gas, which provides retail natural gas sales and distribution services to 275,000 customers in southeast Virginia, is constructing the King William project.

“We welcome the addition of King William County to our natural gas service territory,” said Jodi Gidley, President, Virginia Natural Gas. “Our company has a tradition of investing in the state’s economy. The development of the King William County pipeline allows us to maintain that tradition by positioning the County for future growth, while offering Nestlé Purina the efficiency and reliability of natural gas.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with King William County, Virginia Natural Gas and Nestlé Purina to secure the project for Virginia. Virginia Delegate Chris Peace also assisted with the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance provided training assistance to prepare for the new technology through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Fostering a strong business climate that generates capital investment and local revenues as well as jobs is a top priority for the King William County Board of Supervisors,” said Thomas G. “Tom” Smiley, Chairman of the King William County Board of Supervisors. “Therefore, we are delighted by Virginia Natural Gas’s investment in the County. The project was a true team effort and we greatly appreciate all the support from Nestle Purina, Virginia Natural Gas, state legislators, local landowners and our economic development staff and allies to make it a reality.”

About the Virginia Economic Development Partnership

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. The Partnership is a state authority, which is governed by a 22-member Board of Directors appointed by the Governor and the Virginia General Assembly. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan.