Lenawee Now was pleased to host the final Lenawee County Stakeholder meeting for the NEXUS/DTE pipeline project. This five-year year project came to completion this fall, when in October of 2018, gas began flowing through the pipeline. The 256-mile natural gas pipeline project was completed on time and under budget. Running from eastern Ohio, throughout southeastern Michigan, and connecting to existing pipeline systems, NEXUS will provide our community with increased access to reliable, affordable natural gas to heat and power homes and businesses.
“We want to thank Lenawee Now for all their efforts to bring the stakeholders together from the beginning of the project,” thanked Adam Parker, Enbridge Stakeholder Engagement Supervisor, representing NEXUS. “Honestly, Lenawee County was the easiest, most well-organized community we worked with on this project.”
The pipeline will provide over $3 billion dollars in energy savings to Michigan consumers through natural gas and energy. Construction during the project created 6,800 jobs, $650 million in wages, and $830 million in total economic activity. In its first five years of operation, NEXUS will generate an estimated cumulative tax revenue of $412 million, of which $125 million will go directly to local school districts in Michigan and Ohio.
The environmental impact of the project is also substantial. The pipeline supports the transition of energy companies to cleaner energy generation and will allow them to retire CO2 emission facilities like coal-burning plants.
“We want to thank NEXUS for their hard work collaborating with us on this project,” stated Jim Van Doren, Executive Director for Lenawee Now. “Not only will this be good for the residents of Lenawee County, but will be key for us to attract new and expansion projects. This services as a foundation for future regional economic growth for our area.”
Following the meeting, NEXUS presented checks for key community projects in Lenawee County.
The first was to Lenawee Community Mental Health Authority who received $10,000 grant to assist with their engagement center to help support services for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction in Lenawee County.
In presenting the awards, Molly Luempert-Coy, DTE Energy Regional Manager representing NEXUS, said, “We are all acutely aware of the drug issues affecting those in our communities. NEXUS is pleased to provide support to help those who are working to strengthen our community.”
The second was to the Lenawee Intermediate School District (LISD) who received a $50,000 which will be used to expand student educational opportunities at the LISD TECH center and to fund adult education scholarships.
LISD Superintendent Mark Haag expressed the District’s gratitude to NEXUS. “NEXUS understands the importance of having properly trained, skilled individuals available to perform critical tasks associated with constructing and operating energy infrastructure. The LISD is committed to helping Lenawee County students obtain the skills and competencies necessary for employment with companies like NEXUS. We appreciate their significant commitment to our efforts.”
Approximately $30,000 of the LISD grant will be used to purchase a welding simulator for use in the LISD TECH Center’s Welding Technologies program as well as other career and technical education programs throughout the District.
“We are thrilled that this is happening,” stated Van Doren. “This kind of technology in our skilled trades education programming is going to help supply tomorrow’s workforce with skilled and talented individuals from right here in Lenawee County.”