Natural‑gas line expansion promises roughly $1.3 million a year in ad valorem tax, speaker says

Philip Gunn, an attorney who said he represents pipeline companies including Gulf South and Kinder Morgan, told the Washington County Board of Supervisors that a planned expansion of an existing natural‑gas line — described in materials he distributed as the "Cozy Junction" (Kosciusko) project — will pass through Washington County and other counties and is expected to generate new ad valorem tax revenue for the county.

Gunn said the proposed work would expand an existing line and add capacity; "it's going to generate about $1,300,000 a year in ad valorem tax," he told the board. He said the company is targeting service in 2029 and that the project would include upgrades to compressor/pressure stations already on the route.

Why it matters: Board members and county officials often factor new, recurring property or personal‑property tax revenue into multi‑year budgets. Gunn framed the pipeline expansion primarily as a source of county revenue and said the companies planned to be "good corporate citizens," answering board questions about disruption and safety.

Board discussion and questions focused on scope, local impacts and timing. Gunn said the line is an expansion of an existing route and that much of the infrastructure is below ground; he told supervisors the pipelines are "4 feet under the ground" and do not typically produce noise or odors. He acknowledged some short‑term construction disruption might be required near compressor stations or where lines are upgraded. He also said Kinder Morgan is planning a separate pipeline across Washington County and that his firm would provide ad valorem estimates for that project later.

Next steps and public events: The board was told a community open house with Kinder Morgan is scheduled for the convention center next week at 6 p.m., and Gunn said his clients will provide more detailed maps and tax‑estimate materials to county staff and the public in subsequent meetings.

What the board recorded: Gunn distributed maps and a summary and took questions from supervisors and county staff. The board did not take any formal action related to permitting or approvals during the meeting; Gunn said the presentations were informational and that company representatives and county staff would continue to meet and share materials.

Ending: Board members thanked Gunn for the presentation and noted they would forward public questions to pipeline representatives and county staff when additional materials arrive.