Wilton Family YMCA Plans Gas Conversion As Pipeline Comes To Town

On Aug. 4, Family YMCA Executive Director Bob McDowell spoke to Gov. Dannel Malloy when he was in town to celebrate the introduction of natural gas to Wilton.  

“Our Y is one of the first businesses to sign on to this major energy strategy and will allow us, along with Wilton schools, town buildings, businesses and some residents, the opportunity to convert to natural gas for our main energy source," McDowell said.

"The Y will be working with Yankee Gas over the next year to bring the fuel to the building, and we expect to be using natural gas by September of 2015," he said.

Wilton is the first community in the state to partner with Yankee Gas through Connecticut’s Comprehensive Energy Strategy, which was approved by state regulators last year. The strategy calls for expanding the state’s natural gas distribution system to provide more residents and businesses with the opportunity to switch to natural gas.

"We owe a big debt of gratitude to our First Selectman Bill Brennan for bringing this major project to fruition, as it is a significant benefit for our entire community," McDowell said. "Thanks to the Y Facilities Committee members Chris Wilson, Bill Meehan and John Hess of the Y Board for all of their diligent work that allowed our Executive Committee to approve entering into the agreement with Yankee Gas.” 

Wilton First Selectman Bill Brennan said the town will save an estimated $400,000 to $450,000 per year in fuel costs by switching from oil to natural gas.

Construction work began on the project earlier this month and is expected to be finished by the end of November. Trenches are being dug along roadways to install the natural gas pipeline. 

Work is underway on Kristine Lilly Way close to Wilton High School, along Old Ridgefield Road in front of the Village Market and at the intersection of Route 7 and Wolfpit Road.

Motorists should be cautious of temporary traffic tie-ups due to the construction work. Police officers and flaggers will be posted at construction sites as needed.

For more information on the Family Y, visit www.wiltonymca.org.

Read more about Malloy's visit here on the Daily Voice. 

Read more about the construction in Wilton here on the Daily Voice. 

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