June 16, 2022 at 10:50 a.m.
Line 5 Pipeline public signing held at Pioneer Park
Section of Line 5 Pipeline to be relocated in the Northwoods
Line 5 Pipeline public signing held at Pioneer Park
By Jake Schexnaydre-
The Line 5 Pipeline is a 645-mile pipeline connecting from Superior, Mich., to Sarnia, Ont. Ever since it was introduced to the Northwoods in 1953, it is designed to transport crude oil to refineries to be converted into LP gas and propane.
Enbridge's Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Project is an effort to move this section of the pipeline out of the Native American Bad River Reservation and into a more viable area. Michelle Johnson, representative of Enbridge, spoke at the event, saying that the company is in the process of filing permits for the relocation.
State Sen. Mary Felzkowski attended the signing as a guest speaker in support of the project, arguing that it is a safe and efficient alternative to having LP gas transported by trucks.
She also mentioned the rising cost of inflation across the United States as a contributing factor.
"I'm here to support [this pipeline]," Felskowski said, "because it's good for Northern Wisconsin, it's good for our economy, it's good for my constituents, and most importantly, it's good for our environment."
According to the Wisconsin Jobs & Energy Coalition, Line 5 is a major supplier of propane in the Midwest, and any shutdowns of pipelines like it would result in a significant increase in gas prices.
In addition to maintaining a 99.99% safety record, pipelines can also boost local economies by generating good-paying jobs. The Line 5 Segment Relocation Project is expected to create 700 union jobs.
Contractors like the Michels Corporation, the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139, and the Three Rivers Enterprise will be contributing their services to this project. In addition, Mark Turner of Three Rivers Enterprise says that he is expecting to provide employment for minorities and women for the project, as well.
"The Line 5 Relocation Project will be done safely and efficiently," says Adam Kaseno of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139, "and hopefully will also allow these workers to work closer to home, where they can spend time with their families."
State Rep. Rob Swearingen, who also attended the signing as a guest speaker, supported the relocation alongside Sen. Felzkowski. He said that in addition to the 700 union jobs, it would also create an additional 300 extra jobs, resulting in $135 million in economic growth. "We are trying to make people across the state of Wisconsin aware of what's happening with Line 5," he said, "and it's imperative that it keeps going not only for the state of Wisconsin, but for people right here in the Northwoods."
Jake Schexnaydre may be reached at [email protected].
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