A proposed 430-mile underground natural gas pipeline that’s to bisect Hays County has created worry among residents and is pushing officials to take action.

Lon Shell, Pct. 3 Hays County Commissioner, is hosting a public meeting Jan. 29 to discuss the Permian Highway Pipeline (PHP), which is proposed to cut through most of the Texas Hill Country, as well as western Hays County and Kyle.

The PHP, proposed by Houston-based company Kinder Morgan, is a $2 billion project designed to transport up to two billion cubic feet per day of natural gas from west Texas to the Houston area.

“We will share information about the planned route as well as discuss environmental concerns, property rights and other issues related to the project and its potential impact on Hays County,” Shell said in a statement from the county. “We want to share what we know now, what we expect and to hear concerns from our residents.”

According to county officials, the meeting will include a panel of experts in relevant areas of interest and will be conducted in a question and answer session.

The Hays Free Press reported the pipe will create $1.6 million in ad valorem revenue tax annually to entities in Hays County, according to Kinder Morgan officials.

But the economic benefits have not quieted resident concerns.

Representatives from Kinder Morgan were invited to the Jan. 29 meeting, but it is unknown if they will attend.

Kinder Morgan has scheduled separate open houses Feb. 12 at the Wimberley Community Center and Feb. 13 at Wallace Middle School in Kyle.

A full story on Tuesday’s public meeting can be found online at haysfreepress.com.

WHAT: Public meeting on the Permian Highway Pipeline
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
WHERE: Wimberley Community Center (14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley)