The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) granted preliminary approval for the 2003 Kern River U.S. $1.26 billion expansion project.

The project is designed to increase gas deliveries to power markets in Utah, Nevada and California. A mix of looping and compressor station additions will be used to nearly double the capacity of the 922-mi Kern River transmission system from Opal, Wyo., to the San Joaquin Valley near Bakersfield, Calif.

The project calls for 716.67 mi of 36- and 42-in. looping in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California. It also involves an additional 163,700 hp at three new ­compressor stations in Wyoming, Utah and Nevada, and at six existing stations in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada and California.

The approval is a preliminary determination covering such nonenvironmental aspects as rates and capacity commitments. The project must receive favorable draft and final environmental impact statements before it can obtain the certificate.

Plans call for a June construction start and a May 2003 completion.