SEDRO WOOLEY, Wash.  (Metro)  -- A proposal to build 13 miles of new natural gas pipeline in Skagit County near Interstate 5 draws 50 people to an open house in Sedro-Wooley last night. 

About half of those who attended the meeting with Williams Northwest addressed company employees with questions. 

The most concerned were owners of land through which pipeline would run, wanting to know how the pipeline would affect their property and the environment. 

Williams' employees say local landowners would only be affected for a few weeks each, and that the company would pay for any damage or relocation of property needed to build the pipeline. 

The company will also pay $1 million more in property taxes a year in Skagit County when the pipeline is complete. 

Williams estimate about 1400 jobs for Washington state residents while the pipeline is being constructed, as well as local economic boost for communities while their section of the pipeline is built. 

Yesterday's meeting is part of a week-long series the company is holding that will also include Auburn, Kelso and Chehalis.

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