Enbridge pipeline projects would generate $2.3 billion in regional spending

Following recent protests against pipeline projects proposed by Enbridge Energy, participants in the business world are responding with the release of data showing a positive economic impact.

A study released Monday by the Minnesota Ag/Energy Alliance found the Sandpiper and Line 3 replacement pipeline projects would add more than $2.3 billion in direct spending to the Minnesota economy, mostly from construction expenditures.

Commissioned by the Alliance, the study was conducted by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s (UMD) Labovitz School. Enbridge provided the majority of data used in the report.

“These are incredibly important projects that will contribute significantly to Northern Minnesota’s economy, an area that has faced economic challenges of late,” Brian Hanson, president and chief executive officer of APEX, said in a news release. APEX is a private sector-led business development agency for northeastern Minnesota. “They will create a huge economic boost for the entire region, not only in terms of construction jobs, but also for the many vendors who will provide support in site preparation, procurement, engineering and environmental assessment.”

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