Governor Jay Nixon on Tuesday joined officials from Shelby County to voice support for the proposed Flanagan South Pipeline Project by Enbridge (U.S.) Inc. The proposed pipeline, if built, would run approximately 600 miles from Flanagan, Ill., to Cushing, Okla., crossing 11 counties in Missouri and six in southeastern Kansas.
The total potential investment, along the entire pipeline, could be up to $1.9 billion. This line is expected to be in service by mid-2014, subject to required regulatory approval and sufficient long-term commitments from interested shippers. Work could begin next year. From Cushing, crude oil will move to Houston and Port Arthur, Texas on the Seaway Pipeline system.
“As a nation, we must continue to increase our use of North American sources of energy to create construction jobs here at home and ensure reliable fuel supplies for generations to come,” Gov. Nixon said. “Major investments in domestic pipelines create skilled construction jobs, support community growth and ensure reliable access to North American energy. We welcome these initial plans for another pipeline in Missouri, and we will work closely with Enbridge to help move this critical proposal forward.”
Enbridge is currently conducting a binding Open Season to recruit potential customers to participate in the pipeline project. Based on the results of the Open Season, Enbridge will determine the final size and scope of the project. The Flanagan South proposal has the potential to create a significant number of temporary construction jobs in Missouri and increase the amount of North American crude oil delivered to refinery hubs along the Gulf Coast.
Much of the proposed Flanagan South Pipeline would be constructed along Enbridge’s existing Spearhead Pipeline System. Enbridge is in the process of reaching out to local landowners along the existing right of way to conduct civil and environmental surveys of the proposed route. These surveys help ensure that sensitive species, agricultural land, livestock, wetlands and archeological artifacts are protected during the construction process.