Savannah Mayor and Council Scolds LNG Southeast

Savannah City Council and the Mayor are not happy with LNG..

Their frustration stems from a proposed project by LNG that would send close to sixty trucks carrying Liquefied Natural Gas through Savannah's streets every day.

In tonight's community report - News Three's Alice Massimi has been following this story and has more on the showdown at city hall.

Mayor Otis Johnson says it's a case of insensitivity and disrespect .... concerns the Mayor made known to LNG's President at today's council workshop.

Almost three weeks ago LNG held a community meeting. It was a way to inform others of their proposal to truck Liquefied Natural Gas from a new facility on Elba Island down DeRenne.

The meeting was mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the permit process.

Problem is... many of local decision makers claim they weren’t invited and point out a meeting should have taken place before the community meeting.

“If you all were really sincere about this the discussion about the route it should have been done with officials from the city and county, the first responders should have been involved,” points out Johnson.  

Just some of the scolding words the Mayor had for Southeast LNG President Bruce Hughes.

“We did not reach out to the community particularly the Mayor and the Council as much as we should have prior to introducing the project and the open house we had,” admits Hughes.

Trying to make amends he made the presentation to council Wednesday, but it didn't ease many concerns.

“When things are done behind peoples back people will become distrustful of processes and I think the way LNG handled this was unprofessional,” add City Councilman Tony Thomas.  

Savannah's Fire Chief Charles Middleton wasn't brought into the discussion either.

“We would have liked to be brought in earlier. I think that is pretty clear. When statements are made about explosions not being able to happen that is just not reality. We know in my business that we prepare for the worst case scenario,” says Middleton.

“I hoped today’s meeting helped address those concerns and that we can start to focus on the positive impacts of job creation and environmental emission reduction,” adds Hughes.

The feds have not approved LNG's permit for this facility yet... and according to Hughes city officials do not need to be involved in the decision process...only state and federal agencies are contacted during the decision process.

A decision is expected sometime in February.