"The State of Michigan and Canadian oil transport giant Enbridge announced a deal Wednesday to build a new oil pipeline through the Straits of Mackinac, but in a tunnel 100 feet below the lake bottom where Lakes Michigan and Huron connect.
The massive project would take seven to 10 years and cost between $300 million and $650 million — with state officials emphasizing it would be Enbridge, not Michigan taxpayers, footing that bill. It would create a utility corridor housing not only a new, 30-inch Line 5 pipeline for oil and liquid natural gas through the Straits of Mackinac, but a utility corridor that could also include other companies’ power lines, telecommunications cables and similar infrastructure. The corridor would be large enough for vehicles to drive through, allowing inspectors access to assess the condition of the pipeline.
Under the agreement, Enbridge would build the utility corridor, and, upon completion, hand over its ownership to the Mackinac Bridge Authority, an independent state agency that operates the Mackinac Bridge and funds it through tolls. Enbridge would then be provided a 99-year lease for use of the corridor, and would remain responsible for operating and maintaining the tunnel."
Keith Matheny reports for the Detroit Free Press October 3, 2018.
SEE ALSO:
"Snyder, Enbridge Make Deal For Line 5 Replacement Tunnel" (Detroit News)
"Enbridge Will Pay For Line 5 Tunnel In Straits Of Mackinac, State Says" (Grand Rapids Press)
"Michigan Officials, Company Reach Oil Pipeline Deal" (AP)
"The Latest: Advocacy Groups Clash Over Oil Pipeline Deal" (AP)
