DOE approves $7.5 billion Jordan Cove LNG project

Over 2,000 peak union jobs expected at Coos Bay, Oregon

BOILERMAKERS AND OTHER trades received good news March 24 with an announcement by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission of conditional approval for the $7.5 billion Jordan Cove LNG project in Coos Bay, Ore. The project will average more than 900 jobs during its 42-month construction period. Peak manpower is expected to reach 2,100 workers. Boilermaker man-hours on the job will be in the jurisdiction of Local 242, Spokane, Wash.

“The membership of Local 242 is looking forward to the opportunity to help ensure this project is done safely and is brought in on time,” said BM-ST Mark Keffeler. “Work has been slow in the region, and we are hoping this project will change that for years to come.”

The facility, which will be operated by Veresen, Inc., will include two 160,000 cubic-meter, full-containment liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks and marine facilities to berth and load approximately 90 LNG transport ships per year. The amount of LNG in one tank (42 million gallons) will supply enough gas to provide electrical power to 15 million homes for one day. A 420 MW combined cycle natural gas fueled power plant will also be constructed.

Construction contractors Black & Veatch Corporation, Inc., and Kiewit Power Constructors signed a project labor agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Department in April 2013 and will operate under the National Construction Agreement.

“We are very pleased to have reached an agreement ensuring our facility will be built by experienced union labor,” said Bob Braddock, project manager, in a statement. “Black & Veatch and Kiewit are world leaders in designing and managing LNG and power plant construction projects, and teaming them with quality, skilled labor will enhance our long-term safety and reliability.”

International Rep Jim Cooksey praised the work of the Boilermakers’ Government Affairs Department in helping to secure political backing from the Oregon and Washington state delegations. “We have some excellent union lobbyists representing our members in D.C.,” he said. “Their efforts in seeking support for Jordan Cove undoubtedly made a difference. That’s a value for our contractors as well as our union, to have a presence in the nation’s capital and experienced staff members who know how to reach out to people who will support our cause.”