Pipeline project digs up money for local economy

The new Flanagan pipeline will run parallel to an existing
line from northern Illinois to Oklahoma

Driving through Northwestern Bates County, you can't help but notice plenty of heavy machinery and temporary road crossings marked with bright colored pennant flags overhead.

The influx of earth movers reflects a small portion of a pipeline installation project which involves burying about 600 miles of 36-inch diameter pipeline that will initially carry 600,000 barrels per day of heavy crude oil from Northern Illinois to Oklahoma.

The Enbridge new Flanagan South pipeline project has stirred up more than dust around Bates County- while there's a lot of talk, there's a lot of money flowing into the local economy. Just ask Jackie Nieder, owner of Diehl's Corner and Campgrounds in Passaic. "The additional campers has allowed us to upgrade our park from 6 overnight spots to 22. We also opened our store and the extra traffic really helps. And by the way, those staying in the park are some of the nicest, most polite people you would hope to meet" said Nieder.

Local comments indicate there is a fair amount of those against the project for environmental and safety reasons, although the new pipe is being laid next to a line that has already been in the ground for about 60 years.

Risk aside, the influx of cash is quite welcomed by business owners in the North/Northwest part of the county, just ask anyone at McBee's General Store in Amsterdam, which is literally a few feet away from a crew of about 20 who has been working to put the pipeline under the highway for several weeks now. A drive by McBee's reveals a fairly full parking lot with a steady flow of customers seeking hot coffee and food.

A little further up the road, the city of Archie appears to have been taken over by the project-at least that's how it might look from I-49. A massive storage area lies just north of the overpass, while a new campground lies just south. And yes, local merchants in Archie, along with Casey's and Yoss Thriftway in Adrian are enjoying an uptick in business too.

So how long will it last? It appears some crews are already moving out of the area to points a little further southwest. Others may stay through March, possibly as late as June depending on weather delays.

Overall, the project is slated to be completed later this year. More information about the Flanagan Pipeline project can be found HERE.