We are part of The Trust Project.
After 43 months of a thorough permitting process, 65 state public meetings, and last year's Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approval of a "certificate of need," the replacement of Enbridge's Line 3 oil pipeline in Minnesota is more than ready to begin construction.
An updated Line 3 will be equipped with modern technology, will decrease environmental risks, and will be safer and more efficient than current alternatives: the use of rail and roadway. Until Line 3 is replaced, crude oil can instead be shipped in up to 2,000 rail cars every day and lead to additional trucks on highways.
The economic benefits of the project are undeniable. Enbridge's estimated private investment of $2.6 billion is larger than the investments the state of Minnesota made into Target Field and U.S. Bank Stadium combined. More than $25 million in property taxes is to be paid to Minnesota communities by Enbridge on an annual basis, giving local government budgets much-needed boosts; and more than 6,500 local, living-wage jobs are to be created during construction.
The replacement of Enbridge Line 3 is safety-driven and will meet strict environmental standards. Our Better in Our Back Yard group is proud to support the replacement of Enbridge Line 3 because Enbridge has proven it can meet demanding environmental standards while tremendously benefiting local communities, small businesses, and the building trades all across northern Minnesota.
Ryan Sistad
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Duluth
The writer is outreach coordinator for the Better in Our Back Yard group (betterinourbackyard.com).