Posted: December 10, 2014
Source: Teamster.org

By Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa
Published in the Detroit News, December 10, 2014

[dropcap type=”simple”]J[/dropcap]obs might not be in such short supply like they once were in Michigan and elsewhere. But good-paying jobs still are. That’s why the Teamsters support the Keystone XL pipeline project that would allow North America to produce more of the world’s oil supply. And that’s why Michigan’s elected officials should too.

Completing the final segment of the pipeline from Nebraska to the Canadian border would employ upwards of 2,500 Teamsters and would infuse millions of dollars into local economies. That’s not just where the pipeline is being built either — it’s right here in Michigan, where suppliers could see substantial growth.

How’s that possible? Because a project of this magnitude will require thousands of pieces of equipment like American-made vehicles to be purchased, and those vehicles will need to be kept up with new parts. Similar projects have resulted in automotive companies building facilities to service vehicles. There is no reason to think that wouldn’t happen here as well.

For communities closer to the construction of the pipeline, workers living nearby will add handsomely to their local tax bases. Rent, food and the everyday living expenses will pump dollars into the wallets of local residents. Infrastructure improvements will also need to be made as part of the project to shore up roads and improve wetland areas.
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