Line 3 supporters head to the Capitol

Although Walz was unavailable to meet with the Line 3 supporters, a letter was delivered with 2,500 signatures from unions, elected officials, organizations and businesses supporting the Line 3 replacement project. Local signatures included the mayors of Tamarack, McGregor and Aitkin, as well as Rep. Dale Lueck (District 10B). Marcotte added that 95 percent of landowners along the preferred route in Aitkin County have already signed easement agreements with Enbridge.

The letter included three requests:

1) Rescind the previous administration’s lawsuit against the Line 3 Certificate of Need and to move the project forward.

2) Direct agencies to finalize the permitting process promptly, to achieve construction in 2019.

3) Join the coalition in supporting the Enbridge Line 3 replacement project.

Alongside nearly a dozen Line 3 supporters hand-delivering the letter was Aitkin County Board of Commissioner Chair Anne Marcotte. Over the last four years, Aitkin County has supported the Line 3 replacement project with resolutions, letters to the docket, and members attending and speaking at various hearings, she said.

“We are hopeful that Gov. Walz will listen to this large coalition of elected officials from northern Minnesota who have supported this project from the beginning, to bring boosts to our economies,” Marcotte stated. “We have asked for a meeting with Gov. Walz and Lt. Gov. Flanagan to help them better understand our position on this important project.”

The letter states: “In anticipation of construction in summer 2019, our union halls are gearing up to put the local workforce to work near home. Our local businesses and companies are developing plans and considering the workforce they will need to employ and accommodate to meet this economic boom. Our elected and public officials are creating budgets and determining where resources are needed.”

“We all deserve certainty from state regulators and Gov. Walz to know when this project will be constructed so our planning is efficient,” Marcotte added. “Our county engineer and Land Department have worked tirelessly with Enbridge to ensure the construction techniques being utilized will protect Aitkin County’s natural resources. Additionally, our emergency responders have worked with Enbridge personnel to train for potential emergencies during construction and operation of this pipeline.”

Aitkin County anticipates an estimated $2 million in tax revenues as a result of the Enbridge Line 3 project.  Additionally, Marcotte said Enbridge contributed more than $200,000 to organizations in Aitkin County in the past couple of years.

“Based on past Enbridge projects, we expect to see an influx of workers, families shopping at local stores, eating at local restaurants, and staying at local hotels, motels and campgrounds. Many businesses have already seen an influx during survey work,” Marcotte said.