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Neighborhoods Begin To Rally Against Fuel Pipeline

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By Mark Holan of The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2007

TAMPA - Sensing growing opposition from their constituents, Tampa City Council members tapped the brakes today on a proposed jet fuel pipeline to Tampa International Airport through central city neighborhoods.

"I'm not convinced we need to put in a new pipeline," Councilwoman Mary Mulhern said.

Since 1971, fuel has been supplied to TIA through a buried pipeline from Port Tampa, near MacDill Air Force Base. The second pipeline would start at the Port of Tampa, southeast of downtown.

Mulhern and other council members questioned whether disrupting neighborhoods during construction and safety risks during operation are worth the estimated $20,000 annual franchise fee the city might collect for allowing the pipeline in the right of way.

"The key question is necessity," Councilman John Dingfelder said. "Staff needs to evaluate the necessity and balance that against the risk."

Councilman Charlie Miranda said pipelines are safer than having fuel tankers on city streets.

A vote on the franchise agreement has not been scheduled.

Houston-based pipeline company Kinder Morgan announced the project in April. Officials at TIA and the Tampa Port Authority said they were caught off guard by the proposal, which was initiated by a consortium of airlines.

At a community meeting Wednesday night, neighborhood leaders said they were upset the airlines didn't contact them about the project.

"It's not a right to have a jet fuel pipeline," community activist Joe Robinson told the council today, asking how the project benefits the neighborhood.

He also asked whether franchise fees would be returned proportionally to the neighborhoods, which include Ybor City, Tampa Heights and West Tampa, and whether the project would have minority business participation.

Reporter Mark Holan can be reached at (813) 835-2102 or mholan@tampatrib.com.

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