El Paso Corp., which transports more than a quarter of the natural gas consumed in the U.S. through more than 42,000 miles of pipeline, expects to have $1.2 billion growth projects and more than $400 million in pipeline maintenance in 2008.

The company is increasing its pipeline system by adding the Ruby Pipeline, which will transport natural gas from Wyoming to Oregon.

The 680-mile-long, 42-inch Ruby Pipeline will transmit natural gas from the Opal Hub in Wyoming to Malin, Ore., near California’s northern border. The pipeline should have initial capacity of 1.5 Bcf/d.

Four compressor stations are currently proposed for the project: one near the Opal Hub in southwestern Wyoming; one south of Curlew Junction, Utah, and one at the mid-point of the project north of Elko, Nev., and the final one located in northwestern Nevada.

The $3 billion project will add new pipeline capacity to transport natural gas from reserves in the Rocky Mountains to the western United States.

El Paso Corp. has received multiple binding commitments from shippers, securing 10 to 15 years of committed capacity.

Construction began July 31, 2010, after El Paso received a notice to proceed from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The pipeline is expected to begin service in Spring 2011.