After a rough 2020 for many small businesses across Main Street Minnesota, I am incredibly grateful for the Enbridge Line 3 Replacement Project and its boost to our local economies since construction began just a couple of months ago.
Not only is this project benefiting our communities, it is crucial to improving our state’s infrastructure by replacing a currently aging pipeline. This project moving forward brings $2 billion in construction spending, millions in future tax revenues, and thousands of direct jobs due to the construction of the pipeline itself. And when you look at the ripple effect, the benefits are even more impressive.
In Kettle River, we are seeing firsthand a boost to our economy and to the working community in northern Minnesota. Gas stations, restaurants and local hotels are seeing increased traffic. Folks are back to work, and sales are up — all of which is greatly needed after the recent shutdowns and their impacts on 2020 revenues.
This is an important project for cities and towns across Minnesota and the rest of the pipeline route. Being only two months into this project and nearly 20% complete, I am excited to see the future good this project will bring to our community and others along the Line 3 route. Go Line 3!
David Lucas
Kettle River
The writer is mayor of Kettle River.
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