Constitution Pipeline Developer Threatens Land Grab

The company recently cleared to construct a major natural gas transmission pipeline through the Twin Tiers, is threatening to seize land for the development from reluctant landowners.

The Albany Times Union newspaper has obtained a letter sent to landowners in the path of the Constitution Pipeline, stating that they have until December 10 to accept offered prices for their property or have their land taken through eminent domain at possibly lower prices.

Federal regulators last week approved the $750 million, 124-mile pipeline to transport natural gas from the Marcellus Shale Play to markets in New England.

Developers say the new pipeline will be able to deliver gas at a substantially lower cost than the current delivery system that transports gas from the Gulf of Mexico through existing pipes.