MONROE, La. (AP) — Ouachita Parish taxing bodies got an early Christmas present this week when they received approximately $1.9 million thanks to a recent pipeline settlement.

Assessor Rich Bailey tells The News-Star (http://tnsne.ws/WxhST9 ) the settlement was recently reached with three pipeline companies that have contested local tax assessments since 2004.

The local ad valorem taxes of ANR Pipeline, Southern Natural Gas Co. and Tennessee Gas Pipeline have been held in escrow since 2004.

However, Bailey said all three pipelines were recently acquired by Kinder Morgan of Texas, which sought to end the dispute.

The case went through the 4th Judicial District Court, 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals and the state Supreme Court.

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