Labor Leader Stresses Importance for a Timely Start to Construction Activities

 

With the unanimous decision of the Iowa utilities Board to approve the construction permit of the Dakota Access Pipeline, the importance of a timely construction schedule was stressed by Ryan Hollinrake of Indianola in coverage of the decision provided by The Des Moines Register:

Ryan Hollinrake, coordinator for apprenticeship and training for Operating Engineers Local 234 in Des Moines, said Friday that about 400 heavy equipment operators are expected to be employed on the Iowa pipeline project and that they are anxious to start work. “We also don’t want this project to be impacting farmers” over two crop-growing seasons, he said.

The Dakota Access pipeline project is awaiting a sign-off from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for crossings under its jurisdiction. Construction of the pipeline is expected to employ 2,000-4,000 skilled workers in Iowa alone.