Ridgeland approves new ‘Gas City’ development

RIDGELAND — City officials have approved a proposed Atmos Energy facility said to include office buildings and a regional training facility under the condition that certain chemicals not be stored on site.

Public Works Director Alan Hart said the building would include offices, a service center and a mock neighborhood for training purposes — dubbed “Gas City.”

”It has a modern look,” Hart said. “I think this a nice-looking project.”

The proposed Atmos Energy facility is slated for the corner of the Highland Colony Parkway and Marketridge Drive.

The proposed facility will have roughly 60,000 square feet of building space.

City officials approved the building during their regular City Board meeting on March 19.

The item passed unanimously on the consent agenda with the stipulation that the storage of Mercaptan or empty Mercaptan storage containers is prohibited at the location. Alderman-at-Large D.I. Smith specifically requested the prohibition of empty containers.

Mercaptan is a foul-smelling gas that is added to otherwise odorless natural gas.