Rally Shows Support for the Dakota Access Pipeline During the Iowa Utilities Board Public Hearing
BOONE, IOWA – Members of the Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now (MAIN) coalition gathered today in Boone, Iowa to show support for the Dakota Access Pipeline during the public commenting day in front of the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB). This day marks the beginning of formal hearings organized by the IUB to consider Dakota Access’s application for approval to construct the planned crude oil pipeline from the Bakken region of North Dakota to Illinois. The MAIN coalition stressed that the $3.9 billion project will bring tremendous economic benefits to the state in both the short and long terms.
The proposed pipeline represents a more than $1 billion capital investment into Iowa during construction and through operation, with an estimated $27 million in property taxes during the first year of operation in 2017. The pipeline also supports our nation’s growing energy infrastructure, creating jobs all across the country and reducing our country’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.
“Our nation’s energy infrastructure is in need of an investment like the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline,” said Ed Wiederstein, chairman of the MAIN coalition and former president of the Iowa Farm Bureau. “Pipelines are needed to support our country’s growing energy independence, this pipeline will benefit local communities, our state, and our country.”
Members of Iowa’s Building and Construction Trades Council also gathered to show how the project will benefit local communities and the thousands of construction workers and their families. “This project is about more than simply jobs,” said Dan Prymek of the Laborers’ International Union of North America. “Our families and communities will see the direct economic benefit created by this project. With more than 2,000 construction workers supporting local communities, we urge the Iowa Utilities Board to support this project.”
“These types of projects need to be carefully considered by the Iowa Utilities Board,” urged Mike Ralston, president of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry. “We need a healthy, respectful, and fact-based discussion of this project. I am confident the IUB will recognize the benefit Iowans will see from the construction and operation of this pipeline. Our state relies on a growing business community to drive our economy. This project will be another great addition to our state.”
About MAIN: The Midwest Alliance for Infrastructure Now (MAIN) is a partnership of entities from agriculture, business, and labor sectors aimed at supporting the economic development and energy security benefits associated with infrastructure projects in the Midwest. MAIN is a project of the Iowa State Building and Construction Trades Council and boasts nearly 50 members across four states. Visit us online at www.MWAllianceNow.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.