Norfolk council continues decision on Columbia Gas easement bid for pipeline crossing city property

Norfolk City Council on Feb. 25 heard a single bid from Columbia Gas Transmission LLC to acquire multiple long-term easements and a license to cross City of Norfolk property located in the City of Suffolk for construction, installation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, and voted to continue consideration to the council’s March 4, 2025 meeting so staff can complete a review.

City staff told the council the bid arrived in the amount of $350,000 and proposed a long-term easement agreement with a 40-year term, an associated five-year temporary construction easement, a long-term access easement with a 40-year term and a long-term license with a 40-year term to cross certain city easements, all for property the city owns in the City of Suffolk. The bid language was read into the record by the clerk “on behalf of Columbia Gas Transmission, LLC.”

The city manager’s office recommended that staff review the bid and return with a recommendation at the March 4, 2025 council meeting. There was no additional public comment offered during the hearing. A motion to continue the item to March 4, 2025 passed by roll call; all members present voted in the affirmative.

The council’s vote leaves final approval for the proposed easement agreements pending receipt of the staff recommendation and any additional materials the city requires. The March 4 meeting agenda will include staff analysis and any recommended contract terms, conditions or related environmental and easement plats.