States receive $86 million to enhance pipeline safety

The Transportation Department Thursday announced $86 million in federal grants to enhance safety programs along the nation's 3.3-million mile pipeline network, or 85% of all pipelines in the United States.

"Safety is the number one priority of the Department of Transportation," Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in a statement. "The grants announced today will support our existing partnerships with states to support pipeline inspection, keep communities safe, and keep our energy economy moving."

The plan earmarks $82 million for states to monitor and update safety programs for above-ground pipelines and another $4 million for underground natural gas pipelines.

California is slated to receive nearly $12.4 million in grants, the largest share, while New York is scheduled to receive more than $8.8 million. Illinois and Massachusetts are in line for more than $5 million each.

The grant programs allow states to support federal pipeline safety standards and reimburse them up to 80% for their costs related to personnel, equipment, inspections and regulation enforcement.