I'm a member of the Bad River Band and I support Enbridge Line 5 relocation | Opinion

As a proud tribal member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa and owner of LK1 Services in Ashland, I not only have a vested interest in the rights of my tribe, but also the economic well-being of our entire region. Not many projects have received more attention in our area than Enbridge’s effort to relocate its Line 5 pipeline off the Bad River Reservation. While some in the media and those opposed to the project would like you to believe all tribal members, or even all Ashland residents, have a unified view – I’m here to tell you many Bad River tribal members and many Ashland residents and business owners support the Line 5 relocation.

Unfortunately, many Line 5 supporters in our area are unwilling to make their voices heard because of the hostile response we receive from those opposed to the project. Disagreement is fine, but silencing those with opposing views is wrong and un-American. This is why I’m speaking out.

‘A new chapter of a very old story.' Documentary shows Bad River Band's fight against Line 5

The reason so many of us support the relocation project is simple – economic benefits and affordable energy. Not only is Line 5 a vital source of the natural gas liquids that get turned into the propane we need to survive, but the project will bring with it 700 union construction jobs and needed revenue to our area and tribe. These are good paying jobs for folks right here in northern Wisconsin, including Natives.

Economic study shows Line 5 will have positive impact

In fact, an economic study available on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources website found the Line 5 relocation project will add $135 million to Wisconsin’s economic output, with the vast majority of that coming right here to the project area of Ashland, Bayfield and Iron counties. Additionally, the project will increase state tax revenues by $6.4 million and federal tax revenues by $78 million. That’s more money for our area to pay for things like roads, schools, and public safety.

The essential role Line 5 plays in our propane supply chain is also being severely understated and outright lied about. Plains Midstream, which is a major supplier of propane in our region and receives natural gas liquids from Line 5, sent a letter to the Wisconsin DNR warning it will close its propane facilities in Superior, Rapid River, Michigan, and just over the border in Sarnia, Canada if Line 5 were to shut down.

I'm all tipped out. Seems like everyone's asking no matter level of service.

Plains Midstream also warned if Line 5 ceases to operate Wisconsin should expect to experience a propane price increase and supply shortage worse than the 2013/14 winter that caused many states – including Wisconsin – to declare a propane state of emergency. That’s because, despite what the project opponents would have you believe, our energy markets are seamlessly connected in infrastructure, supply, and pricing.

Relocation will boost economy of Ashland, Native-owned businesses

Many tribal members like me want to see the Line 5 project move forward because we see the economic benefit to our tribe. Enbridge has pledged to spend $46 million with Native owned businesses and hire ten percent of the project’s workers from the Native community.

Beyond that, Enbridge has offered our tribe a direct payment of $80 million to settle past and current Line 5 disputes. That’s $80 million we can put into helping real people, real Natives, who have real needs. Sure, this settlement may not appease the national environmental groups who are using the Bad River Tribe to raise money and push their political agenda. But, this money, these jobs, and this energy, will help actual Bad River Tribal members.

Want to fix poverty? Give away cash, no strings attached. You read that right.

Line 5 has operated safely for many years. It has never spilled oil in the Bad River or Lake Superior. And, Enbridge has proposed taking unprecedented steps to safeguard our environment both during the relocation project and the ongoing operation of the line.

The Line 5 relocation is an economic and jobs win for the Ashland area and the Bad River Tribe. Having been under review by the Wisconsin DNR for four years now, I hope they will soon approve the permits needed to move forward with this critical project.

Pat Nemec is a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa, Ashland resident and owner of LK1 Services in Ashland.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Pipeline relocation will be good for Ashland, Native-owned businesses