SUPERIOR, Wis. - Two oil pipeline projects expected to get under way this summer in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota will put about 2,000 construction workers on the job.
Although some regulatory approval is still needed, it is expected to come in time for the summer construction season.
The Enbridge Energy Pipeline projects are dubbed "Alberta Clipper" and "Southern Lights," but Plumbers and Steamfitters Business Agent Jeff Deveau calls them "a ray of sunshine.” Thirty percent of his Duluth-Superior union members are out of work.
"Locally here we've got 115 guys off right now and this job will help some of these guys from losing their homes, get health insurance again," he said.
Deveau says the recession is delaying or cancelling projects that otherwise would put his people to work.
Most of the 2,000 construction jobs will come in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Two of the three main contractors, Precision Pipeline of Eau Claire and Michel's Construction of Brownsville, are based in Wisconsin.
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