Minnesota Energy Resources Corporation (MERC) proposes to construct approximately 13.1 miles of new natural gas pipeline west and south of the city of Rochester in Olmsted County, Minnesota. The proposed pipeline will include installation of approximately 5.1 miles of 16-inch outside diameter and 8.0 miles of 12-inch outside diameter steel pipeline designed to operate at pressures between 400-475 pounds per square inch gauge (psig). The proposed project will tie together the northern and southern portions of MERC's existing natural gas distribution system.

The proposed project will also include construction of two town border stations. Town border stations receive high pressure natural gas from the natural gas transmission system (900-1,000 psig) and regulate it down for use on the local distribution system (400-500 psig). The project will also include construction of a district regulator station. District regulator stations take high pressure distribution natural gas (400-500 psig) and regulate it down further (60-100 psig) for delivery to the low pressure distribution system.

MERC is requesting a route permit for a 500-foot-wide route. The proposed project will require a 50-foot-wide permanent right-of-way, and an additional 50-foot-wide construction right-of-way.

The proposed project will be phased. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2017 and be completed in 2022. The project is anticipated to cost $44 million.