Two from Chesco on Pa. pipeline task force

WEST CHESTER Chester County Commissioner Kathi Cozzone and state Sen. Andy Dinniman (D., Chester) have been appointed to the state's Pipeline Infrastructure Task Force.

The group of 48 will submit a report to Gov. Wolf by February that will recommend policies and best practices to guide pipeline development, operation, and maintenance as pipeline construction increases throughout the state.

Cozzone will chair the task force's county government work group. She said she plans to bring best practices the county has learned through implementation of its online Pipeline Information Center.

Chester County was the first in the state to develop a website to improve information sharing among residents, local officials, and pipeline operators.

"Communication is the first step in working with the community and the operators to make sure we're developing our infrastructure in a way that is sound for the community, the quality of life and the environment," Cozzone said.

Dinniman will serve on the public participation work group. He said he wants recommendations to the governor to take into account environmental protection, public safety concerns, and the preservation of individual property rights.

- Michaelle Bond