Lawmaker applauds Enbridge for hiring local firm to begin construction

State. Rep Joe Bellino, of Monroe, today announced his support of Enbridge hiring two companies – including a firm from Metro Detroit – to begin construction on the Line 5 tunnel.

“The agreement reached between state leaders and Enbridge a couple years back is the common-sense answer Michigan families need,” Bellino said. “The tunnel project will provide good-paying union jobs, and it’s the best solution to ensure our lakes are protected while transporting propane to families up north who depend on it to heat their homes.

“It’s disturbing to me that Attorney General Dana Nessel is bending to environmental extremists to continue fighting to shut down Line 5 without a replacement plan. This is a reckless action that will endanger jobs locally and throughout Michigan, including workers employed in factories and refineries who rely on Line 5 to fuel their operations. As of now, there are many hard-working people who want to get started on this project, but because of the Attorney General’s political posturing, their jobs are on hold until legal issues are resolved.

“The attorney general’s unreasonable demands would also increase the costs of propane, as well as jet fuel at the Detroit Metro Airport and gasoline. This would make heating homes, traveling and operating businesses more expensive all over the state.”

Bellino added that Enbridge is taking on the full cost of the project with no monetary help from the state government.

“It would be great if our administration would set aside their political agenda and look at the facts,” Bellino said. “This is what Michigan needs, and deserves. I applaud Enbridge for taking steps in the right direction and look forward to this project coming together.”