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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Debra Kiel (R)

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Statement from Representatives Fabian and Kiel on Public Utilities Commission Decision to Grant Certificate of Need to Sandpiper Pipeline Project

Friday, June 5, 2015

St. Paul, MINN—On Friday, June 05, 2015, the Public Utilities Commission granted a certificate of need, allowing the Sandpiper Pipeline Project to move forward. Rep. Dan Fabian (R-Roseau) and Rep. Deb Kiel (R-Crookston) co-signed a letter to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) earlier this week, urging support of the Sandpiper Pipeline Project, and are pleased it is moving forward.

A certificate of need, which was mandated by state law, was the next step required to build this planned pipeline.

"This announcement by the Public Utilities Commission to advance the Sandpiper Pipeline is a win for Northwestern Minnesota," said Rep. Dan Fabian. "This will bring thousands of jobs to our area, alleviate rail traffic in small towns and provide the safest possible transport of light crude oil from North Dakota. This is a worthwhile investment that will bring new jobs and increased economic prosperity to our communities. What's more, building this pipeline will generate an additional $25 million in property tax revenue for our local governments."

"The Public Utilities Commission granting a certificate of need to the Sandpiper Pipeline is excellent news for Greater Minnesota," said Rep. Deb Kiel. "For our rural communities, this pipeline will free up rail for crops and other commerce, as well as bring news jobs to the area and increase the safety of oil transport through our part of the state. This has been a lengthy permitting process to greenlight this project, and I am pleased it's getting closer to construction."