UPDATE II ( 1:13 p.m. ET; Apr. 22, 2013) – Ohio is getting closer to having a vast network of midstream operations in place.  The Utica East Ohio cryogenic plant in Columbiana County is being built at a rapid pace.  Until plants like these come online, production at many natural gas wells across the state is being held back.

George Fransisco, executive vice president of M3 Midstream, recently explained how the projects construction will aid in realizing the Utica’s bigger picture:

“A lot of us are working as fast and fierce as we can to get our plants up and running. Once that’s done wells can flow at unrestricted rates, so we’ll see more of what the play entails”–George Fransisco (Cryogenic Processing Plant Takes Shape in Kensington, 4/19/13)

The Kensington plant, part of the $900 million investment by Utica East Ohio, should have their first phase ready to process natural gas liquids by June.   Baron John, construction coordinator for the Kensington project, says things are on schedule:

“We’re a little over halfway finished with the first phase. We’re keeping on schedule and want to commission sections of the plant so we can get gas flowing”–John Baron (Cryogenic Processing Plant Takes Shape in Kensington, 4/19/13)

Baron explained 300 to 350 workers are currently on site, backing up the claim that shale development is aiding in a construction industry revitalization.  Also a part of the Utica East Ohio project is the fractionation plant 50 miles south in Harrison County, which employs hundreds more construction workers.

The construction is also supporting regional companies.  While many of the components are prefabricated offsite, UEO is also using suppliers in Ohio.  Pioneer Pipe/Viking Fabricators Inc. out of Marietta supplied structural steel for the project and Exterran‘s new plant in the Mahoning Valley will likely supply additional components.

READ THE REST: http://www.eidohio.org/shale-development-bringing-investment-across...