Willbros Group Inc.’s upstream and downstream segments have been awarded new projects, valued at USD 181 million. Willbros US Construction has been awarded a contract to construct the Texas Independence Pipeline by Energy Transfer Fuel, LP, a subsidiary of Energy Transfer. The project consists of 143mi of 42in natural gas pipeline from Minden in Rusk County, Texas, to a point near Maypearl in Ellis County, Texas. Work is scheduled to start in March 2009 to meet a third quarter 2009 in-service date. Additionally, Willbros’ Downstream segment, InServ, has received verbal commitment from National Cooperative Refinery Association to extend its current contract for Program Management Services associated with portions of the planned Heavy Crude Expansion Project and associated major capital projects through 30 September 2011.