Flanagan Pipeline Project expected to create roughly 1,000 jobs in Missouri during peak construction
A pipeline project that cuts through Missouri is expected to create nearly 1,000 jobs during peak construction times.
Six hundred miles of oil pipeline is set to span from Flanagan, Ill., and through 11 Missouri counties before going through Kansas and ending in Cushing, Okla.
The Flanagan Pipeline Project was backed by both Democrats and Republicans when Gov. Jay Nixon signed off on the project, citing Missouri jobs.
Katie Lange, a spokesperson for Enbridge, told ABC 17 News the project has already created between 400 and 700 jobs in Missouri.
She said when construction is at its peak, the total number of jobs created in Missouri will total close to 1,000.
Just behind the Moberly Walmart, a construction site for pipeline project is being prepared.
The pipeline won’t just cut through cities and towns — it will also travel through private property.
Some Randolph County residents said they were concerned about the possibility of oil spills, but Lange said Enbridge has a low number of incidents.
She said Enbridge conducts flyover checks, as well as checks on foot to ensure there are no leaks, spills or contamination.
One Moberly resident in support of the pipeline believes spills are rare.
“Of course, that’s always on of those things that sits in the back of your mind, but you just have to look at that as a worst case scenario,” said Justin Roberts.
Roberts said it’s worth the risk because of what the county gets in return.
“It’s going to bring a lot of jobs to the county, as well as revenue,” he said.
One couple told ABC 17 News the pipeline will be running through their property, but they said they don’t mind because of the high number of construction jobs it will bring to the area.
They also said it’s a good way to bring in oil where it needs to go.
Moberly residents did have minor concerns, but most said they think it will be overall positive addition to the community.
“I focus personally more on what it’s going to bring in,” Roberts said. “As far as what it’s going to take away, I’m not too concerned.”
Crews will start putting in the pipeline in about four weeks.
