As the Iowa Utilities Board continues to review the application for the Dakota Access Pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners recently announced that 85% of the easements necessary to construct the project have been signed. In a press release the company stated:
The Dakota Access Pipeline Project continues to finalize its construction plans and secure the necessary land easements in preparation to begin construction of the 1,168-mile crude oil pipeline. The permit approved last week by the North Dakota Public Service Commission brings the total to three of the four states crossed by the pipeline authorizing it to move forward. The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission and the Illinois Commerce Commission have also approved Dakota Access’ permit applications. The Iowa Utilities Board continues to review Dakota Access’ application having announced a working session scheduled for early February. Construction of the pipeline is projected to begin in 2016 upon approval of all required applications and permits.
Dakota Access has signed voluntary easement agreements with landowners representing more than 85 percent of the properties along the four-state route. Currently, 89 percent of the properties in North Dakota, 92 percent in South Dakota, 78 percent in Iowa and 87 percent in Illinois have been signed. Project representatives will continue easement negotiations with landowners during the coming months.
Once work is cleared to start, the Dakota Access Pipeline can be operational by the fourth quarter of 2017. Between 8,000 and 12,000 union workers are expected to be employed on the project.
Read the entire press release here.