Norwalk Breaks Ground on Natural Gas Infrastructure Project

NORWALK, Ohio, Oct. 26, 2026 - City, utility, business and economic development leaders broke ground today on a new natural gas point of delivery (POD) station and gas pipeline upgrades in Norwalk. The project clears the way for new jobs and investment by expanding natural gas capacity in an area where supply constraints have held back local manufacturers for years and limited the city's ability to attract new business.

The added capacity will support planned expansions at three local advanced manufacturers, helping create over 100 new jobs and retain hundreds of existing jobs.

This project is very important to our community's economic future," said Norwalk Mayor David Light. "This investment is vital to our business community and supports economic growth, business expansion and positions us to compete for new opportunities to strengthen our economy. The city is thankful for all of the partners mentioned here, but also the employers, organizations, and council members who contributed to this project in some way.

Columbia Gas of Ohio and North Coast Gas Transmission are investing more than $12 million combined in the project. JobsOhio plans to provide assistance for the project, which will be made public after final agreements are executed.

The project is the first supported by the JobsOhio Energy Opportunity Initiative, an up to $100 million, five-year initiative announced in October 2025. The initiative provides grants and low-interest loans to help offset costs related to natural gas and nuclear power production in Ohio, including engineering, right-of-way, and construction costs for new and existing natural gas infrastructure.

The Energy Opportunity Initiative removes the cost barriers that stifle economic development and delivers the energy capacity companies need to invest and create jobs statewide," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "In Norwalk, natural gas constraints threatened growth. That's when the community, utility companies, and economic development partners came together to build a public-private solution that fulfills a local vision and empowers local manufacturers to expand.

Expanded gas capacity will also enable the 79-acre North Central Ohio Industrial Park on Furniture Parkway to attract future business and maintain its SiteOhio Authenticated status, keeping the site competitive.

The new station, located near the Ernsthausen Recreation Center, will draw supply from North Coast's transmission line, and about a mile of new pipeline offsite from the station will enable the supply to support a broader area of Columbia Gas' Norwalk system. The project is expected to be in service by mid-2027.

This project demonstrates the power of collaboration," said Bob Heidorn, President and Chief Operating Officer of Columbia Gas of Ohio. "By bringing together partners committed to economic development, we've designed an infrastructure solution that will support long-term economic growth in Norwalk and Huron County. Columbia Gas is proud to be part of this project, and we look forward to seeing its benefits realized in the coming years.

The City of Norwalk is a great community with a lot of opportunities. The city, the Huron County Growth Partnership, Team NEO and JobsOhio worked quickly and collaboratively to remove multiple hurdles and bring this project to reality," said North Coast Gas Transmission President Lee Lochtefeld. "North Coast is excited to invest alongside Columbia Gas and JobsOhio's Energy Opportunity Initiative to be a part of this solution.

Local employers identified the gas capacity issue and contacted the City of Norwalk and Huron County Growth Partnership for help, who then reached out to regional and state partners at Team NEO and JobsOhio. Over nearly 18 months, the team worked with Columbia Gas and North Coast Gas Transmission to develop a solution.

Access to reliable energy infrastructure is critical to attracting new investment and supporting business growth," added Team NEO Chief Executive Officer Matt Dolan. "We are grateful to Columbia Gas of Ohio and North Coast Gas Transmission for investing in this important infrastructure project.

There was no blueprint for how to do this kind of improvement project; however, working with willing partners like those involved showcases what can be accomplished through proactive cross-agency coordination," said Sarah Ross, executive director, Huron County Growth Partnership. "The completed new delivery station will spur economic growth for housing and local employers to take on new customers, new employees, and new growth, meaning a stronger City of Norwalk, Huron County and region.

The project builds on Ohio's energy and infrastructure advantages. Ohio ranked No. 1 for Infrastructure, the most heavily weighted category, in CNBC's 2026 America's Top States for Business study on its way to being named the top state for business overall. The state's shale-energy sector has also drawn more than $117 billion in direct investment since 2011.

I am grateful to Columbia Gas and all of our community partners who worked together to make this investment possible. Economic development doesn't happen without infrastructure," said state Rep. Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk). "Today, we're not just celebrating a new natural gas line. We're opening the door to new businesses, good-paying jobs, and a stronger economic future for Norwalk and all of Huron County.

JobsOhio is continuing to collaborate with its seven regional network partners to identify projects, companies, and communities that could benefit from the Energy Opportunity Initiative.

About Columbia Gas of Ohio

Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.5 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio. Columbia Gas of Ohio is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers, and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.comand www.NiSource.com.

About Huron County Growth Partnership

The Huron County Growth Partnership is a non-profit, public-private partnership that facilitates business and community growth through economic development and chamber of commerce activities and services. The Growth Partnership aims to grow the community and economy, support businesses, secure resources for and make a name for Huron County. If you are interested in expanding your existing business into or starting a new business venture in Huron County, please visit the website at www.huroncountyohio.com.

About JobsOhio

JobsOhio, Ohio's private nonprofit economic development corporation, enhances company growth and personnel development through business attraction, retention, and expansion across 10 competitive industry sectors. With a team of seasoned professionals, JobsOhio utilizes a comprehensive network to foster talent production in targeted industries and attract talent through Find Your Ohio. Collaborating with seven regional partners, including Dayton Development Coalition, Lake to River Economic Development, Ohio Southeast Economic Development, One Columbus, REDI Cincinnati, Regional Growth Partnership, and Team NEO. JobsOhio delivers world-class customer service to provide companies with a competitive advantage. In 2026 Ohio was named CNBC's Top State for Business. Learn more at www.jobsohio.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X , and Instagram.

About Team NEO

Team NEO is a private, nonprofit economic development organization that retains, expands, and attracts jobs, businesses, and opportunities across Northeast Ohio's 14-county region. As JobsOhio's exclusive partner in Northeast Ohio, Team NEO connects businesses to the data, resources, sites, and incentives to win new business investment for Northeast Ohio. The organization also provides insights to build talent pipelines, prepares development-ready sites, and markets the region as a premier business destination. To learn how Team NEO helps make Northeast Ohio more competitive, visit teamneo.org.

Media Contact:
Matt Englehart, JobsOhio
[email protected]
614-300-1152