As plans now stand, the proposed $900 million Diamond Pipeline will go through the southern part of Arkansas Senate District 18, represented by Senator Missy Irvin.
She is encouraged by the good economic news and has pledged to help the transmission complete the regulatory process in order to make its investment a success. The 20-inch pipeline will be built by the Plains All American Pipeline (PAA) company and will carry 200,000 barrels of crude oil a day across a 400-mile route from Oklahoma to Memphis. PAA is based in Houston.
“The good news is that Plains All American company has lined up investors and is on track to receive all the needed permits from federal and state regulatory agencies,” Irvin said. “However, if there are any bureaucratic problems, I will be eager to help smooth the process.”
Preliminary plans indicate the pipeline will go through Cleburne and Faulkner Counties, although Irvin cautioned that considering the volatility of today’s regulatory and economic environment those plans could change. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2015 and be completed in late 2016. PAA anticipates hiring 1,500 workers to build the pipeline, and is budgeting for $11 million a year in property taxes to be paid to local governments along the route.
“Clearly, this will be a much needed economic boost for our area. After reviewing the numerous precautions that PAA intends to implement, I am confident that the Diamond Pipeline will not only meet but exceed industry safety standards,” Irvin said.
