HOUSTON, June 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Colorado Interstate Gas (CIG), a subsidiary of El Paso Corporation (NYSE: EP), announced today it has begun construction on its Raton Basin 2005 Expansion project. The $61-million expansion will add 104,600 dekatherms per day (Dth/d) of transmission capacity to the section of CIG's existing pipeline system from the Raton Basin in south-central Colorado to the panhandle of Oklahoma. The construction involves installation of 102 miles of 16-, 20-, and 24-inch pipeline looping; 1,770 horsepower of additional compression; and new metering facilities. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authorized construction in early June, and the company expects to have the project in service on October 1, 2005.

"This project is a prime example of El Paso's commitment to providing increased natural gas transportation capacity for Western United States producers," said James Cleary, president of El Paso's Western Pipeline Group. "Completion of the Raton Basin 2005 Expansion will increase CIG's capacity in this area to more than 380,000 Dth/d, providing our customers with enhanced access to growing Raton Basin gas supplies and increased deliverability to mid-continent pipeline interconnections."

El Paso Corporation provides natural gas and related energy products in a safe, efficient, and dependable manner. The company owns North America's largest natural gas pipeline system and one of North America's largest independent natural gas producers. For more information, visit http://www.elpaso.com .

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements and projections, made in reliance on the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The company has made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed in this release, including, without limitation, our ability to successfully construct and operate the proposed facilities described in this release; general economic conditions in geographic regions or markets served by El Paso Corporation and its affiliates, or where operations of the company and its affiliates are located; the uncertainties associated with governmental regulation; competition, and other factors described in the company's (and its affiliates') Securities and Exchange Commission filings. While the company makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither the company nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Reference must be made to those filings for additional important factors that may affect actual results. The company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or any other forward-looking statements made by the company, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

SOURCE El Paso Corporation
06/13/2005

CONTACT:
Investor and Public Relations, Bruce L. Connery, Vice President
1-713-420-5855, or fax, 1-713-420-4417
or
Media Relations, Aaron Woods, Manager
1-713-420-6828, or fax, 1-713-420-6341
Both of El Paso Corporation