State Rep. Jason Wentworth, of Farwell, today applauded Enbridge for hiring two companies to begin construction for the Line 5 tunnel.

Wentworth said it’s unfortunate environmental extremists continue disrupting the process because a multi-use tunnel is the common-sense solution for our Great Lakes and local economies.

“The agreement reached between state leaders and Enbridge will better protect the Great Lakes Basin and vastly improve the delivery of needed energy and communications services,” Wentworth said. “What makes this entire process even better is that Enbridge is footing the bill – 100 percent. The company is paying the full $500 million tab, so Michigan’s hard-working taxpayers don’t lose out at all.

“The multi-use utility tunnel will be 100 feet into the bedrock beneath the Straits of Mackinac and will be the safest and best compromise to replace the aging pipeline currently resting on the lake floor. It is the safest and most reliable way to deliver energy, including propane, electricity and broadband, throughout the state.”

Wentworth said shutting down Line 5 without the tunnel in place would cause significant harm to Northern Michigan families, many who depend on propane to heat their homes and businesses.

“The cost of propane would increase dramatically for our families,”
Wentworth said. “We cannot afford to simply shut down the line without a contingency plan in place.”

Wentworth said construction a new tunnel for Line 5 will ensure our state’s waters are protected and preserved for generations to come.

“Allowing this brand-new tunnel with additional safety measures, while continuing to deliver crucial resources, is what all of our communities need,” Wentworth said.