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Morton approves preliminary steps to negotiate emergency natural gas back-feed with Ameren
Summary
Trustees authorized negotiation and preliminary steps for an emergency natural gas back-feed station with Ameren, with staff citing an estimated Ameren installation cost of $508,082.40 and annual operating cost of $37,240.
The Village of Morton on May 19 approved a resolution authorizing preliminary negotiations for an emergency natural gas back-feed connection that would allow the village to receive gas supply in emergency scenarios. The board authorized staff to continue negotiations with Ameren and Panhandle and to proceed with preliminary steps, including use of previously acquired easements.
Director of Public Works Scott Stidman and Trustees discussed the long-running effort, which Stidman said involved collaboration with Ameren and multiple past mayors. Stidman told the board Ameren’s current proposal would install a back-feed stage station along West Greenwood Road at an approximate installation cost to Ameren of $508,082.40 and an annual recurring operation and maintenance cost of $37,240. Stidman said the village had budgeted $700,000 to construct about 4,000 linear feet of gas main from I-155 to the back-feed station and expected to come in under budget.
Trustees voted unanimously to authorize the resolution to continue negotiations and preliminary steps. Trustees and staff said prior right-of-way and easement acquisitions are in place and that final agreements remain subject to negotiation and change. The motion approved negotiation authority and preliminary work, not a final construction contract.
