North Alabama Pipeline Project Moves Forward Amid Landowner Concerns

The North Alabama Public Energy District (NAPED) has begun preliminary work on a proposed natural gas pipeline that would run across North Alabama. The project aims to provide reliable and economical long-term natural gas supplies for the region.

The proposed pipeline would span 123 miles, starting in northwestern Lauderdale County and running through Athens, Huntsville, Scottsboro, and terminating near the Bellefonte Nuclear Plant. Crews are currently conducting soil testing within a 200-foot right-of-way to determine whether the corridor is viable for the pipeline.

NAPED's project manager, Todd Gentle, confirmed that the wide study corridor has led to some landowner confusion, with several assuming construction would occur across the entire 200-foot span rather than the final 50-foot easement. The initial assessment is examining geographic obstacles, wetlands, soil composition, and potential Native American artifacts along the route.

The pipeline's viability hinges on landing an anchor customer, specifically a new natural gas power plant in the 1,200- to 1,400-megawatt range. Gentle said conversations are underway to secure that commitment. If the project stays on schedule, construction could start in the third quarter of 2030, with the pipeline entering service in the fourth quarter of 2031.