A Federal judge says the Constitution Pipeline can be developed through northern Pennsylvania even though some Susquehanna County landowners did not agree to access to their properties.

U.S. District Judge Malachy Mannion has ruled that the Constitution Pipeline had all the necessary permits from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the project serves the public interest.

The pipeline looks to transport cheap natural gas from the Marcellus Shale play through Pennsylvania and into New York and parts of New England.

Judge Mannion says the seven Susquehanna County landowners stood to gain adequate compensation for right of way agreements. Some of the defendants did not respond to lawsuits filed by the developer seeking access to their properties.

The ruling calls for the developers to post a $1.6 million bond before staring the construction of the 124-mile pipeline.

Lead partners in the project are Houston-based Cabot Oil and Gas and Williams Partners, which is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

A spokesman says the companies are still seeking the necessary construction permits before proceeding.

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