Grand Rapids, Minnesota (June 6, 2017) – Jobs for Minnesotans today called on representatives from business, labor and the community to voice support for Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project in advance of a Minnesota Department of Commerce public meeting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Project.
“The DEIS for Enbridge’s Line 3 Replacement Project is thorough and complete,” said Nancy Norr, Jobs for Minnesotans board chair and Minnesota Power director of regional development. “We’re here today to voice our resounding support for this Project and let the Minnesota Department of Commerce know that our members support the approval of the Certificate of Need and preferred route applications for the Project.”
The Line 3 Replacement Project has the potential to create 4,200 job opportunities, with approximately half of those local to Minnesota, according to a recent University of Minnesota Duluth study.
“Pipelines and the energy transportation industry in northern Minnesota have a long history of moving energy resources in a responsible and safe manner while also positively enhancing the region’s economy and job market,” said Brian Hanson, Jobs for Minnesotans board member and APEX president and CEO. “There’s no greater act toward preserving the environment than the $7.5 billion in private investment Enbridge has committed to replacing the existing Line 3 using modern materials, designs and construction techniques. Pipelines are the safest and most efficient way to move the energy we all rely upon.”
Norr and Hanson were joined in Grand Rapids by other representatives from business, labor and the community who echoed their support for moving forward expeditiously to permit the Line 3 Replacement Project. Speakers included:
- Ben DeNucci, Mayor of Nashwauk and Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS) Board Member
- Derek Pederson, Laborers Local #1091
- Paul Hawkinson, General Manager of Hawkinson Construction
An image of speakers at the press conference is available for download here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/l8hnhxyueh4vo4z/J4MN%20Grand%20Rapids%20Press%20Conference_6.6.17.jpg?dl=0 (From left to right: Nancy Norr, Derek Pederson, Paul Hawkinson, Brian Hanson and Ben DeNucci)
About Jobs for Minnesotans
Jobs for Minnesotans, a coalition representing business, labor and communities, supports statewide opportunities for prosperity and middle-class jobs from sustainable natural resource development in Minnesota. The organization is committed to the principle that our state can preserve both job opportunities and the environment for future generations. Jobs for Minnesotans was co-founded in 2012 by the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council representing 55,000 workers and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce representing 2,300 companies and 500,000 employees. For more information, visit jobsforminnesotans.org, follow @JobsforMN on Twitter and find the coalition on Facebook.com/Jobs4MN.
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Media Contact: Meagan Pick
JobsforMinnesotans@gmail.com
Cell: 913.491.6754