As the president takes his message to the hard-working families of Minnesota, we need to remind him that a project creating 20,000 jobs in the region awaits his signature. TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline will run from Alberta, Canada, through the Dakotas, Nebraska and on to refineries in the south central United States.

How will this benefit Minnesotans? The demand for skilled tradespersons will be so large that hundreds, maybe thousands, of our members will be needed. Operating engineers, carpenters and pipefitters are just a few of the trades required to build this pipeline safely and efficiently. And, with an investment of $7 billion by TransCanada, these workers will be paid family-supporting wages…money that will roll over time and time again in businesses across the state.

There is more good news. Once completed, Keystone XL will increase access to vast oil reserves in Canada. Canadian crude will displace imports from unfriendly, unstable countries, and we won’t have to station a naval fleet to protect it.

All that stands in the way of the privately funded, “shovel-ready” project is the president’s signature to allow the pipeline to cross over the border. Mr. President, please sign the permit and create 20,000 jobs.

Harry Melander

president

Minnesota State Building and Construction Trades Council

St. Paul