July 31 (Reuters) - Privately held infrastructure firm

WhiteWater and its partners have decided to move forward with

the construction of the Blackcomb Pipeline natural gas pipeline

in Texas, the company said on Wednesday.

The pipeline is expected to transport up to 2.5 billion

cubic feet per day (Bcfpd) of natural gas through about 365

miles from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Agua Dulce in

South Texas.

WhiteWater, MPLX ( MPLX ) and Enbridge ( ENB ) through WPC,

their joint venture that owns the Whistler Pipeline, reached a

final investment decision with an affiliate of Targa Resources ( TRGP )

on the construction.

A shortage in pipeline capacity has plagued natural gas

producers in the Permian who have resorted to flaring to deal

with the excess gas.

The Blackcomb Pipeline will be constructed and operated by

WhiteWater and is expected to be in service in the second half

of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.