Palmetto Pipeline faces Fulton County judge

A Fulton County judge will hold a hearing Friday to help determine whether a controversial $1 billion gas, diesel and ethanol pipeline through eastern and coastal Georgia gets built.

Georgia transportation commissioner Russell McMurry denied the company’s request May 18 to build the 200-mile line that would run near Augusta, Savannah and on to Jacksonville, Fla. Kinder Morgan, in its appeal to be heard by Superior Court Judge Kimberly Adams, will contest Georgia’s decision that the pipe and its gas aren’t needed.

A ruling isn’t expected Friday. An appeal, by either side, is considered likely.

Palmetto is one of two contentious pipeline proposals roiling Georgia. The Sabal Trail gas pipeline that would run from Albany across southwest Georgia to Valdosta and on to Florida awaits final federal approval.