The New York State Public Service Commission has approved Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s application to provide natural gas service to planned business parks in the Town of New Baltimore, Greene County.

“This decision allows Central Hudson to provide infrastructure improvements to enhance economic development efforts that will attract new businesses and jobs to Greene County,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Hudson.

The approval enables Central Hudson to exercise its existing natural gas franchise by extending its gas pipeline facilities into the Town of New Baltimore to serve the Kalkberg Commerce Park, and the soon-to-be constructed Serta Mattress factory. The decision further allows Central Hudson the opportunity to extend the line north to adjoining properties that may potentially become future business parks, promoting development of those sites.

“Economic development plays a vital role in creating job opportunities for our residents, and Central Hudson is pleased to participate by both working with local economic development organizations, and by helping to prepare approved sites for development,” said Meyer. “We are committed to work with Greene County as it attracts new employers to our region.”

Construction on the gas line is expected to begin this summer, and will be completed by late fall in 2005.