Number of People Needing Work Across Northern Minnesota Continues to Go Up

AVERAGE OF WORKERS IN 14 “LINE 3 COUNTIES” WHO HAVE FILED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE CLAIMS NOW ABOVE 25%

(BEMIDJI, MINN) As the contested case process for key Line 3 Replacement project permits continues, the number of people needing work in Northern Minnesota continues to increase. The latest information from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) shows the average percentage of workers who have filed unemployment insurance claims in the 14 “Line 3 Counties” is now above 25%. This the 13^th week in a row that these numbers have increased, creating an even stronger need to find ways to move key projects like Line 3 forward to be able to immediately create jobs and positive economic change across the region.

“Week after week we see these numbers get worse as we see families across Northern Minnesota continue to struggle to make ends meet,” said Larry LePier, CEO, LePier Oil, Inc. of Fosston, MN. “As someone in the energy industry, I know how important it is to have a reliable source of energy. As someone who cares about my community, I know how much we need things to change in a positive way. The reality is that Line 3 is the only way we can immediately change our economy across Northern Minnesota and get people back to work.”

The Line 3 project has been under review by agencies and regulators for almost six years. To replace the existing Line 3, Enbridge will invest approximately $2.6 billion and the project will immediately create more than 4,000 good paying union jobs. Line 3 would generate an estimated $35 million in new tax revenue for the State of Minnesota. To prepare for construction, Enbridge has already spent more than $100 million in local communities to help train tribal members for construction jobs. The new Line 3, when fully operational, will also create additional tax revenue for cities, counties, and school districts across Northern Minnesota.

Instead of following the project schedule to make decisions about the 401 water quality certification, in June the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency decided to hold a contested case hearing that delays the permit decision until November, creating another delay for the project.

The decision to hold the contested case process delayed a final decision on the 401 permits until November 14^th. Work to complete these permits continues, despite Governor Walz’s recent decision to have the Department of Commerce legally challenge the PUC’s decision to again issue the Certificate of Need. If approved, the permit will then be set to the Army Corps of Engineers for final approval. If the Army Corps approves the permit, construction will start this year.

“People in our communities are ready to get to work and our local businesses are ready to serve customers in their stores, restaurants and hotels,” LePier said. “We have always supported Line 3 because it just makes so much sense to replace something old with something new and better. Today we need the jobs and positive economic change more than ever to help people know there can be some hope for this year and to know there will be people working next year as well. We really need Governor Walz and his agencies to get their work done so construction work starts this year.”

Latest average unemployment insurance information for Line 3 Counties as of September 4^th

County		Percentage
Kittson		11.4%
Beltrami		24.3%
Marshall		16.5%
Pennington		23.6%
Polk		21.2%
Red Lake		21%
Clearwater		29.3%
Hubbard		26.8%
Cass		33.6%
Crow Wing		29.4%
Aitkin		27.7%
Carlton		29.9%
St. Louis		30.4%
Wadena		26.4%


AVERAGE		25.11%

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/

Contact: Susan Goudge
Susan@Minnesotansforline3.com | 218-556-3617

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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