nbpl announces new bison pipeline project note : there will be a briefing meeting on the project in denver on nov . 14 n . border plans extension to tap powder river basin powder river basin gas producers may be about to get a more direct route to midwest markets . northern border pipeline has released plans to build a new 325 - mile greenfield pipeline from mccabe , mt , to gillette , wy , to tap the rapidly growing production in the powder river , which is estimated to hold between 10 and 30 tcf of gas . the basin ' s rapid production growth has captured the attention of the industry , with numerous proposed pipelines , including several new interstate plans that would bring gas to the midcontinent gas grid . northern border ' s project , called the bison pipeline , would add a new route out of the basin for between 375 , 000 and 500 , 000 mmbtu / d of production starting in november 2003 . the pipeline is holding an open season on the proposal through dec . 5 . receipt points are proposed with bighorn , fort union gas gathering , migc and thunder creek gas services . a bi - directional interconnect accessing williston basin interstate pipeline ' s baker storage field also is proposed . the connection with northern border will provide powder river producers with direct access to several local distribution companies , including montana - dakota , alliant interstate power , midamerican energy , nicor gas , people gas and nipsco . it also provides access to anr pipeline , midwestern , ngpl , northern and vector . the projected recourse rate is 26 cents / dth / d , but a negotiated 10 - year demand rate cuts 4 cents off that . the pipeline is offering " mileage - sensitive rates , " which are expected to allow a shipper to tailor supply access and optimize transportation value . northern border plans to hold a briefing on the project in denver on nov . 14 . for more information , contact project director paul miller in omaha , nb , at ( 402 ) 398 - 7758 or james hoff in denver at ( 303 ) 575 - 6475 , or see the pipeline ' s web site at www . . com .