Under the alliance concept, a joint leadership team of NGT&S and Willbros members will identify, develop, define and evaluate concepts from a commercial perspective. Willbros will provide services necessary to advance concepts to sufficient detail for construction and/or budget approval, and, upon approval, Willbros would execute a work order for any combination of services in the execution of projects and programs on the NGT&S system.

"We are pleased to have finalized this alliance, and look forward to working with Willbros to achieve a higher level of performance as we meet the changing demands of our business environment," said Christopher Helms, NGT&S Pipeline Group President.

Randy Harl, President and CEO of Willbros, added, "We have been working with NGT&S for the past six months, refining our role as program manager for the NGT&S capital, maintenance, GIS and Integrity programs. This joint activity has already yielded significant benefits to both NGT&S and Willbros in the execution and development of the 2009 and 2010 programs. Through this alliance we will jointly develop and execute the best solutions for the management, maintenance and expansion of NiSource Gas Transmission & Storage Company's pipeline system. We are pleased to be joining with NGT&S in this approach to managing and maintaining complex pipeline systems and continue to appreciate the confidence they have shown in our abilities."

NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI), based in Merrillville, Ind., is a Fortune 500 company engaged in natural gas transmission, storage and distribution, as well as electric generation, transmission and distribution. NiSource operating companies deliver energy to 3.8 million customers located within the high-demand energy corridor stretching from the Gulf Coast through the Midwest to New England. Information about NiSource and its subsidiaries is available via the Internet at www.nisource.com.

Willbros Group, Inc. is an independent contractor serving the oil, gas, power, refining and petrochemical industries, providing engineering, construction, turnaround, maintenance, life cycle extension services and facilities development and operations services to industry and government entities worldwide.