A proposed 150-mile natural gas pipeline could bring a major new infrastructure project through Smith County, with construction currently planned to begin in late 2028.
Smith County Insider met with representatives of Kinder Morgan and Southern Natural Gas Company, L.L.C. to discuss the proposed Southeast Connector Project, its route through Smith County, the process for working with landowners, and the expected timeline.
Southern Natural Gas, commonly known as SNG, is operated by Kinder Morgan. The company says the Southeast Connector is being proposed in response to growing demand for natural gas in Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas.
The project would include approximately 150 miles of large-diameter natural gas pipeline and compression facilities across Tennessee. The proposed route would pass through 10 counties: Sumner, Macon, Trousdale, Smith, DeKalb, Cannon, Warren, Coffee, Franklin, and Marion.
The proposed pipeline is expected to be approximately 48 inches in diameter.
The map provided to Smith County Insider shows the current study corridor entering the northern part of Smith County near the Dixon Springs area and traveling south through the western portion of the county. The preliminary corridor passes west of Carthage, crosses Interstate 40 in the western part of the county, and continues south toward the Brush Creek area before leaving Smith County.
Company representatives stressed that the route shown on the current map is not final.
Kinder Morgan and SNG are beginning the process of contacting property owners whose land is within or near the proposed study corridor. Representatives said the next several months will be used to conduct surveys, gather information from landowners, and make adjustments to the route.
The company said the route could change based on property conditions, environmental concerns, construction challenges, and information received from individual landowners.
Smith County Insider requested more detailed digital maps showing roads, property areas, and specific crossings. Company representatives said more detailed maps should become available as the route is refined.
Some landowners along the proposed corridor may soon receive, or may have already received, letters requesting permission for civil and environmental surveys.
The survey process does not mean that the final pipeline route has been established.
According to information provided by SNG, surveys will help the company determine the best route while considering landowner impacts, environmental concerns, and whether the pipeline can be constructed in a particular location.
A sample letter provided to Smith County Insider states that SNG is offering landowners $500 for their cooperation with the survey request after completing the company’s Survey Permission Form and W-9.
That payment is separate from any future compensation for a permanent pipeline easement.
If the final pipeline route crosses a property, a company land representative would later contact that property owner to discuss purchasing an easement and any additional property rights needed for construction.
During the meeting, representatives said the current plan calls for a 50-foot permanent pipeline easement, along with approximately 75 feet of temporary workspace during construction.
Landowners would be compensated for both the permanent easement and temporary workspace.
Representatives said local appraisers would be used to help determine property values, with easement compensation negotiated individually with landowners.
After construction, much of the property within the permanent easement could continue to be used by the property owner, but structures generally could not be built within the pipeline easement.
Smith County Insider also asked about septic systems, drain fields, and other improvements that may not appear on older property records. Representatives said identifying those types of features is one reason surveys and conversations with property owners are important before a final route is established.
The project will fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, and will go through a federal review process before construction can begin.
According to a project fact sheet provided by Kinder Morgan, the company anticipates submitting a FERC pre-filing request during the fourth quarter of 2026, followed by a certificate application during the third quarter of 2027.
Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2028, with the pipeline expected to be placed into service during the fourth quarter of 2030.
Public meetings and open houses are expected as the project moves through the regulatory process.
Kinder Morgan representatives said they want information about the project to be available to the public and expect opportunities for residents and landowners to ask questions and provide feedback.
Smith County Insider also offered to livestream future public meetings concerning the project to make them available to residents who cannot attend in person.
Representatives said the project represents an estimated $1.3 billion investment in Tennessee.
Kinder Morgan says the project will generate new property tax revenue for local governments and create direct and indirect spending during construction. During the meeting, representatives discussed an estimate of approximately $1.5 million in additional property tax revenue associated with the project, although final figures will depend on the completed project.
The company said the Southeast Connector would connect existing natural gas systems and increase access to natural gas supplies in Middle Tennessee.
Representatives also confirmed that discussions have taken place with Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District regarding the project. No final local service agreement was announced during the meeting.
The Southeast Connector remains in the early stages of development, and the exact route through Smith County could change substantially before a final application is submitted.
For now, the company is focused on contacting affected landowners, conducting surveys, and gathering information needed to determine the final route.
Landowners who receive correspondence about the project can contact Southern Natural Gas at 833-941-0068 for additional information.
Smith County Insider will continue following the Southeast Connector Project as more detailed maps become available and as the project moves into the federal approval and public meeting process.
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