The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted the certificate of convenience and public necessity for the U.S. $700 million MIllennium pipeline project designed to transport gas to northeastern U.S. markets.

Millennium proposes to move gas from Lake Erie, Penn., to a point in Westchester County, N.Y., with 425 mi of 24- and 36-in. pipe. As originally filed in 1997, the project called for a 2002 completion date.

In an interim order, FERC issued the certificate and authorized construction of more than 99% of the proposed route. The remaining 2 mi involve construction in Westchester County. Here, FERC has not authorized a specific route, but has instead asked Millennium to work with local officials to arrive at an acceptable route.

Millennium is being developed by Columbia Gas Transmission; MCN Energy Inc.; TransCanada PipeLines Ltd.; and Westcoast Energy (U.S.) Inc.