TransCanada grant supports eNews and Water Trail

We’re pleased to announce that TransCanada has provided the Forum a grant to help sponsor publication of Spokane River eNews and the Water Trail activities.

TransCanada has a regional office in Spokane. Their offices are fortunate enough to have a bird’s eye view of the Spokane River and downtown Spokane.  From this idyllic setting, TransCanada personnel  focuses on the safe delivery of natural gas in a territory that stretches across the western and heartland areas of the United States.  Specific to Spokane, a natural gas pipeline managed by TransCanada comes into the U.S. along the Idaho Panhandle, makes its way to the Liberty Lake/Spokane Valley area, heads down near Walla Walla, and then on to points south in Oregon, northern California and Nevada.

TransCanada’s community investment strategy rests on the premise that “… we don’t just build pipelines.  We also build relationships.” With a goal “… to build strong and vibrant communities,” TransCanada works with individuals in the community “… to develop initiatives that are tailored to support local needs.”

Supporting our efforts to restore, protect and make the Spokane River more accessible is also a natural fit with the company’s support of Friends of Centennial Trail. Both efforts provide clear meaning to the “Near Nature, Near Perfect” moniker that continues to define what makes the Spokane region a great place to visit or live.

Locally, Verlyn Bailly exemplifies the importance and value TransCanada places on working with communities. Verlyn coordinates the company’s  public awareness program in the Western U.S. for pipeline safety.  Although pipelines are generally “out of sight, out of mind,” Verlyn logs thousands of miles annually visiting with contractors, first responders, public officials and others to maintain best practices and promote safe digging activities, such as the Call Before You Dig program that promotes  dialing 811 before anyone does any digging.

Said Andy Dunau, Executive Director, “Individual contributions, sponsorships and grants are the lifeblood of our activities. We need everyone’s help to keep good things like eNews and the Water Trail going.”