EDITOR:

The ongoing, and in the opinion of many, misguided efforts to shut down Line 5 have been a cause of great concern for members of my community and me. We depend on Line 5 for much more than fuel.

Line 5 provides a livelihood for many of us. It helps pay our bills, feed our families and put clothes on our backs. In turn, our jobs help us to keep our community thriving; we shop here, eat at local restaurants, volunteer here and enjoy everything from miniature golf to movies.

We pay taxes that support our communities, and Enbridge pays millions in property taxes. That revenue is funneled into our local communities, supporting emergency services, public recreation and even our schools.

There is a viable option to preserving Line 5 and our jobs: Enbridge has committed to investing $500 million to construct a tunnel to house a new Line 5 in the Straits. The tunnel would reduce environmental risk and enhance safety.

I hope our communities and state leaders see the value of Line 5 not simply for the energy it provides, but for workers like me who depend on it.

Brad Wagner

Enbridge Project

Coordinator

Bay City