MERIDEN, Conn. (AP) — Unemployed and underemployed Connecticut construction workers are being trained to work on planned gas distribution and transmission pipeline construction projects.
It is part of a massive plan to expand natural gas service to about 280,000 new customers across the state over the next decade.
Earlier this year, the General Assembly and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy authorized state regulators to approve a new rate plan to finance the expansion program. A final ruling by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority is expected to be issued on Nov. 21.
The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 478, is holding a news conference and training demonstration on Tuesday at the union's training center in Meriden, where 24 workers are being trained. Malloy and other officials are expected to be on hand for the event.