Business community, public officials support Atlantic Coast Pipeline

By Lynn R. Mitchell

The proposed natural gas pipeline in Augusta County just got a whole lot more important with support from Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and a public outpouring of support from the business community as well as public officials including former Augusta County-Staunton Delegate Chris Saxman (R-20th), now executive director of the Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education.

Virginia leaders and advocates from across the Commonwealth released the following statements Tuesday following an announcement by Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources about the economic benefits of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline. Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Approximately 48 miles of the pipeline will run through Augusta County. Construction of the pipeline will create 8,800 jobs, produce $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth, and generate $14.6 million.

After completion, the project will support 118 jobs per year, produce 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity and generate $233,000 in additional annual state tax revenue.

Chris Saxman, Executive Director, Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (FREE)
“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will create thousands of jobs, bring new businesses to communities across the Commonwealth, and expand our economy’s use of clean, abundant natural gas. I applaud Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources, and AGL Resources for working to bring this transformational project to Virginia.”

Senator John Cosgrove, Chesapeake:
“This project will bring clean, affordable and abundant energy to communities across Virginia, including Hampton Roads. I am eager to work with Governor McAuliffe, Dominion and AGL to see this project completed safely and responsibly, and to begin to realize the enormous jobs and economic growth potential that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline offers our great Commonwealth.”

Senator Louise Lucas, Portsmouth:
“Governor McAuliffe continues to deliver on his promise of bringing new, good jobs to communities across the Commonwealth. I am confident that this project can be completed in an environmentally safe manner that respects local concerns, and that all Virginians will benefit from the lasting jobs and economic impacts that it will bring to our Commonwealth.”

Delegate Mark Sickles, Fairfax:
“Good family-wage construction jobs in the short term will lead to lower heating bills, a reduced carbon footprint and permanent manufacturing jobs in the long term–another huge advance in Governor McAuliffe’s mission to diversify the Commonwealth’s economy.  Congratulations to all who worked so hard to win against four competing alternatives and good luck in the days and months ahead as decisions are made to make the underground natural gas pipeline a reality.”

Delegate Lionell Spruill, Chesapeake:
“I applaud Governor McAuliffe’s goal of making Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic, and for pledging to leverage the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to achieve it. Growing our economy in the face of federal cuts will require bringing new industries here, and this pipeline will be an outstanding asset as we work to bring manufacturers here who need access to clean and abundant natural gas.”

Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Sussex:
“The Atlantic Coast pipeline has the potential to create thousands of good jobs across the Commonwealth, including in Southside rural communities that need them. I am thrilled that this project will help all of us work together to build a new Virginia economy, while expanding our use of natural gas, which has half the carbon emissions of coal.  I look forward to working with Governor McAuliffe and these companies to realize the promise this project has to offer for our region.”

Doris Crouse-Mays, President, Virginia AFL-CIO:
“This new project and the real long and short-term economic benefits it will bring fit perfectly with Governor McAuliffe’s plan to build a new Virginia economy. We look forward to working with him and these companies to help get the Atlantic Pipeline built safely and responsibly, and attract the next generation of Virginia job creators who will benefit from its operation here in Virginia.”

Barry DuVal, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce:
“Today’s announcement will improve Virginia’s economic competitiveness in the global marketplace and help diversify our economy. The new abundance of natural gas will empower Virginia businesses to expand as well as help recruit new businesses and manufacturers to the Commonwealth.”

Brett A. Vassey, President and CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association:
“The VMA supports Dominion Resources and AGL’s pursuit of environmental excellence and public safety with this new pipeline. This fuel and critical infrastructure will help rebuild US manufacturing competitiveness and spark the development of Virginia’s Port Zone.”