Columbia Gas Having New Building Constructed Near The Plains

THE PLAINS — Columbia Gas of Ohio will be having a new building constructed near The Plains.

“Construction of a new facility will allow Columbia Gas to provide enhanced service and safety to customers in Southeastern Ohio,” the company said in a statement sent Friday to The Messenger in response to an inquiry from the newspaper.

The 12 employees based at the new building will respond to emergency situations, inspect and repair gas lines, complete service requests and more, according to the statement. They will serve customers in Athens, Hocking and Perry counties and surrounding areas. The 12 will transfer from Columbia’s facility on Blue Line Drive in Athens.

The site near The Plains is on the former Pine-Aire Village trailer park property at the intersection of Route 33 and River Road. Brent Hayes, a co-owner of the property, said some site work is being done in preparation of construction of the building, which when built will be leased to Columbia Gas.

According to Columbia Gas, the 7,000-square-foot building should be completed by mid-summer. The 5-acre site will include parking for about 40 vehicles to accommodate employees temporarily working in the area.

Columbia will continue to use its Blue Line Drive facility. It will be used by Columbia Gas construction employees, who are responsible for projects that replace aging infrastructure and projects aimed at improving gas systems.

Neither Columbia location will be staffed for walk-in visitors. The company said people requesting service should continue to call 1-800-344-4077 or go to ColumbiaGasOhio.org.