As process to approve Line 3 continues to be delayed, the number of people out of work in Line 3 counties continues to increase

AS OF JUNE 2, AVERAGE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE 13 COUNTIES IS NOW 20.3%

Line 3 would immediately create more than 4,000 jobs and invest more than $2 Billion of private-sector dollars into Minnesota at a time when we have never needed it more.

The process to permit the project continues to be delayed as the number of people applying for unemployment insurance in Northern Minnesota continues go up. The latest unemployment rates for counties along the line 3 route show how COVID-19 has impacted local economies and why we need to find a way bring jobs back to Minnesota.

County Rate

Kittson 8.9%

Marshall 12.5%

Pennington 18.0%

Polk 16.4%

Red Lake 15.8%

Clearwater 23.2%

Hubbard 22.5%

Cass 28.1%

Crow Wing 25.5%

Aitkin 22.6%

Carlton 23.8%

St. Louis 25.3%

Wadena 21.6%

Percentage of people filing for unemployment insurance as a share of the 2019 available labor force

Data provided by Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development

https://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/unemployment-insurance-statistics/

We can’t afford to wait any longer for Line 3

“It’s long overdue for those making decisions in this state to pause and look at the facts. We cannot afford another appeal. Too much time and taxpayer dollars have been used to repeatedly determine that Line 3 is necessary.

If we do not approve Line 3 and get started soon, the people of Minnesota will deserve an explanation about why the most studied pipeline project in our state’s history – that literally checks every box – was stalled at a time when our economy needs it so much.”

Rich Siegert, Rochester Post Bulletin

Minnesota needs Line 3 project

“Let’s get one thing clear: Minnesota needs Line 3.

Replacing Line 3 will bring thousands of jobs to our state at a time when we desperately need it. While our legislature stalls on a bonding bill and other forms of relief, how about Governor Walz and his administration making an easy decision to stop delaying a project that will bring thousands of jobs to northern Minnesota?”

Craig Gaasvig, Grand Forks Herald

Nearly six years to replace Line 3 is too long

“My family has farmed in Clearwater County for 85 years. As farmers, we take pride in our land and work hard to take care of the soil and water around us. We also take very seriously planning our farming operations, including rotating our crops and maintaining our equipment.

For 48 years, we’ve hosted six pipelines on our property and have always had a good relationship with the company. In 2014, we received a letter from Enbridge about the company’s intention to replace its Line 3 pipeline. Since that initial letter, we’ve worked with Enbridge on the easement for the replacement pipe and have considered our farming plans to accommodate construction.”

Brian Emmel, Bemidji Pioneer

Support Minnesotans by supporting Line 3

“In trying times like these, you would think local governments would try to work together to get things done. The fact of the matter is, they can’t — or they won’t. The gridlock in our state house is at an all-time high, and neither side seems willing to concede anything to the other. You would think they would care more about the people than these political chess matches; but for the most part, that’s not the case. Minnesota needs jobs more than ever — as well as the hope that things can get better. As we struggle with COVID19, the changes it has forced upon us have left too many of our businesses to drop like flies, with more people applying for unemployment every day.”

Dave Langfeld, Duluth News Tribune

Letters to the Editor Supporting Line 3:

We can’t afford to wait any longer for Line 3

Minnesota needs Line 3 project

Nearly six years to replace Line 3 is too long

Support Minnesotans by supporting Line 3

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