On at least one issue Americans of all political stripes are in sync: support for a strong federal infrastructure program to make the nation's core infrastructure — roads, sewers, airports, water systems — competitive again.
Whether federal or state leaders can negotiate funding to stave off an infrastructure crisis any time soon is an open question.
But in Minnesota we're fortunate to have a well-advanced alternative, an entirely private infrastructure project that would put 6,500 Minnesotans to work over two years, with an economic impact of more than $2 billion for the state, including outstate areas that sorely need it.
We're talking about Enbridge Energy's 1,097-mile, Line 3 crude oil pipeline replacement from Alberta stretching southeast across central Minnesota from the North Dakota border near Hallock to a terminal in Superior, Wis.
Pipelines are essential to the development and growth of our region's economy. Even as vehicles transition to electricity, we will still be dependent on petroleum products well into the future. From the clothing we wear to the chemicals that are part of so many consumer products and keep thousands of manufacturers operating in our region — we need petroleum products for long-term personal and economic health.
Contrary to recent testimony from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, the project is necessary and prudent. Last month, the American Petroleum Institute reported that total domestic petroleum deliveries, a measure of U.S. petroleum demand, showed the highest July demand since 2007. Enbridge says its project is the safest alternative for replacing the 50-year-old existing line that operates at approximately 50 percent capacity and faces increasing maintenance requirements.
The new, 36-inch-diameter pipeline involves the most advanced materials, state-of-the-art technology and superior construction methods. Its route, which follows the existing line from the Minnesota/North Dakota border to Clearbrook, bends south from there and east to Carlton and Superior. The new route follows other existing pipelines, transmission lines and railroad lines for about 75 percent of the route from Clearbrook to Superior.
We're confident Enbridge will meet and exceed all standards for safe energy transportation. They have pointed out that safe operation of the current line would require thousands of maintenance digs and other measures over the next 10 to 15 years. It would be disruptive to communities and landowners and not the best use of resources, according to the people with their money on the line — Enbridge.
