Teamwork won the day as "Savannah's Oldest Public Servant," Atlanta Gas Light, completed the first natural gas line under the Savannah River to bring natural gas to Hutchinson Island.

"Much effort from many people in both the public and private sectors combined to bring us to this historic milestone," said Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson. "One of the challenges to the development of the island was the lack of utility services. Today, we have conquered that challenge as natural gas is now available on Hutchinson Island."

"It was very important to have all utility services available for current and future projects on the island," added John McCleskey, project director and developer of Savannah Harbor. "The addition of natural gas today assures quality development and encourages future investment."

Two weeks ago, Atlanta Gas Light crews began boring beneath the Savannah River. The pipeline runs more than 60 feet beneath the riverbed. The bore is complete and pipe now connects natural gas service from Savannah to Hutchinson Island.

Planning for this important event in Hutchinson Island history has been underway for years. Everyone from the office of the Mayor and the city of Savannah, Chatham County, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, the Georgia Public Service Commission and developers, as well as Atlanta Gas Light collaborated to support the project.

"Civic and business leaders believe the ongoing development of Hutchinson Island is critical to the continued revitalization of the Historic District as well as the surrounding region," said Suzanne Sitherwood, president of Atlanta Gas Light. "Atlanta Gas Light's commitment to bring natural gas to the island will significantly contribute to the success of Hutchinson Island by providing options for economic development and offering efficient, clean energy to the island's residents and guests."

Over the next few years, plans call for the construction of some 1,500 residential units ranging from high-rise condominiums on the river to town homes and single-family dwellings farther inland.

About Atlanta Gas Light

Atlanta Gas Light, a wholly owned subsidiary of AGL Resources, provides delivery service to more than 1.5 million customers in Georgia. In operation since 1856, the company is one of the oldest corporations in the state. For more information, visit www.atlantagaslight.com.

About AGL Resources

AGL Resources , an Atlanta-based energy services company, serves more than 2.2 million customers in six states. The company also owns Houston-based Sequent Energy Management, an asset manager serving natural gas wholesale customers throughout the nation. As a 70 percent owner in the SouthStar partnership, AGL Resources markets natural gas to consumers in Georgia under the Georgia Natural Gas brand. The company also owns and operates Jefferson Island Storage & Hub, a high-deliverability natural gas storage facility near the Henry Hub in Louisiana. For more information, visit www.aglresources.com.

SOURCE: Atlanta Gas Light