The Borough of Chambersburg has made significant progress in its multi-phase natural gas infrastructure modernization initiative, highlighted by Phase 1 reaching approximately 75% substantial completion — a major milestone in the borough’s ongoing effort to enhance the safety, reliability, and resiliency of its municipal natural gas system.
Chambersburg is one of only two municipalities in Pennsylvania that owns and operates its own natural gas utility, serving nearly 7,000 customers throughout the region. The multi-year infrastructure program is focused on replacing aging natural gas pipelines and ensuring continued reliable service for residents, businesses, and major employers.
“We are extremely pleased with the progress being made on both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of this critical infrastructure investment,” John Leary, Director of Natural Gas Utility for the Borough, said. “Reaching 75% substantial completion on Phase 1 represents a major achievement for our crews and project partners, while moving us closer to eliminating some of the oldest natural gas infrastructure in our system.”
Through funding provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), the borough has accelerated the replacement of aging cast iron gas mains, many of which are more than a century old. Since 2000, Chambersburg has replaced more than 21 miles of its 26 miles of cast iron pipeline, leaving less than five miles remaining that are currently being replaced by the borough with two PHMSA grants.
Phase 1 construction activities have included completed work on Garfield Street and ongoing improvements along South Second Street. Phase 2 construction is also underway, with work completed on North Seventh Street and additional project segments planned in the coming months.
Recently, Leary and Borough representatives, met with the staff of Representative John Joyce, Senator John Fetterman, and Senator Dave McCormick in Washington, D.C., to discuss additional funding needed to complete Phase 3 of the initiative. Phase 3 includes replacing approximately five miles of two parallel high-pressure steel gas transmission lines that deliver natural gas from Guilford Township into the Borough. These lines are approximately 70 years old and have been identified as a long-term infrastructure priority due to their age and importance to the borough’s gas system.
“Phase 3 represents the next major investment necessary to secure the long-term reliability of our natural gas system, accommodate increased heavy truck traffic and economic development, and prevent leaks, safety concerns, and disasters,” Jeffrey Stonehill, Borough Manager and Director of Utilities, said. “We appreciated the opportunity to discuss how best we can advance this important project with our federal stakeholders.”
If additional funding is secured, the project would strengthen critical energy infrastructure serving nearly 7,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers while supporting continued economic growth throughout the Chambersburg region through the provision of safe, affordable, and reliable natural gas service.
Please contact John Leary, Director of Natural Gas Utility, with questions at 717-251-2422 or jleary@chambersburgpa.gov.
