How important is Line 3 to Minnesota’s economy?
Line 3 is an integral part of Enbridge’s mainline system. It helps ensure that Minnesota and the surrounding region are connected to a secure and reliable supply of North American crude oil. Line 3 is already an important part of Minnesota’s economy at the state, county, and local community level. In 2018, Enbridge paid over $30M in property taxes to the State of Minnesota; since 2015, contributed over $3M in community investments through their Ecofootprint Grant program; has over 350 Minnesota-based permanent and temporary employees and supports thousands of jobs at refineries as well other parts of the economy that depend on having reliable fuel and energy.
The construction work to replace Line 3 will be a $2.9B private investment in the U.S., that is approximately two and a half times the size of the US Bank Stadium project. There is no taxpayer money funding the Line 3 construction project.
Line 3 Replacement project’s impact on Minnesota’s economy:
- Infrastructure Investment: Line 3 represents a $2.6 billion investment in Minnesota, this will be the largest privately financed construction project in the State’s history.
- Jobs: 8,600 quality jobs will be created over a two-year period, including 2,800 hospitality jobs, 4,200 construction jobs (half expected to be filled locally), and 1,600 jobs in other sectors.
- Long-term property tax revenue: Enbridge pays more than $30 million in Minnesota property taxes annually; this will increase incrementally by $35 million beginning the first full year of service.
- Local Economic Activity: There will be a significant boost to the economy during construction, as local hotels, restaurants, and other businesses along the route will benefit.
- Support for Minnesota refineries: Line 3 will provide an energy savings on a per-barrel basis by reducing apportionments and ensuring a reliable source of crude oil delivery.
Additional Information:
- Enbridge expansions: What’s in it for Minnesota?
- Enbridge’s economic impact on Minnesota
- Top 10 Reasons the L3RP is vital to Minnesota and the Midwest
- New study: Economic impact of Enbridge Line 3 will be massive
- Enbridge’s $3-million Ecofootprint Grant Program to fund local environmental initiatives
The Truth about Line 3
With so much information being shared and gathered about the Line 3 replacement project, it’s important to help everyone stay focused on the facts, address any misconceptions, and make sure that information about Line 3 is grounded in truth.
Minnesotans for Line 3 has identified some common questions about the project along with information, facts, and other background that answer those important questions.
Approval Process
Who made the decision to replace Line 3, and when?
What steps have been taken to approve the Line 3 project?
What does the Consent Decree from the federal government to replace Line 3 mean?
How do actions by Line 3 opponents fit with Minnesota’s tradition of being a civically respectful community?
How many public comments were received in support and opposition to Line 3, and where were they from?
What do Minnesota’s refineries say about the need for oil from Line 3?
Environment & Safety
How do pipelines like Line 3 compare to other ways of transporting oil in terms of safety and efficiency?
If we’re transitioning to greener energy, why build more fossil fuel infrastructure like Line 3?
How can you care about protecting water and natural resources and support Line 3?
How in depth was the study to determine the environmental impact of Line 3?
What will happen to Line 3 if it is not replaced?
How do we know something like Line 3’s 1991 accident in Grand Rapids, MN won’t happen again?
What was the extent of the drilling fluid spill at the Willow River construction site, and what was done to correct it?
